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Zack Martin's versatility could affect Cowboys' offensive line
Todd Archer
ESPN Staff Writer
OXNARD, Calif. -- In only two years with the Dallas Cowboys, offensive lineman Zack Martin has become one of the best guards in the NFL.
As he enters Year 3, he could have more added to his plate.
At times last season, Martin took some center snaps in practice. This summer, he is taking some more, working with the second-team offense at center.
“The coaches did a good job of just dropping me in there for a couple of snaps here and there to be sure [I’m ready] in some kind of emergency situation if they need someone to snap it,” Martin said.
Mackenzy Bernadeau served as the Cowboys' backup center in 2013-14, but he signed as a free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the offseason. The Cowboys signed veteran Joe Looney in free agency to replace Bernadeau, but the look at Martin is with an eye toward game day.
The Cowboys typically dress only seven offensive linemen for games, with backups at tackle and along the interior line. Ronald Leary, who is a starting-quality player, does not have the ability to play center, but the Cowboys could look for ways to get him on the game-day roster, especially with a $2.3 million base salary.
If Martin proves he can do the job, that would allow the Cowboys to dress their best group for games.
“It makes you think more just because you know there’s a lot that goes on,” Martin said of playing center. “There’s a lot more that’s going through your head up there. It’s not just what you’re doing but kind of what everybody is doing. It’s good to see that.”
Todd Archer
ESPN Staff Writer
OXNARD, Calif. -- In only two years with the Dallas Cowboys, offensive lineman Zack Martin has become one of the best guards in the NFL.
As he enters Year 3, he could have more added to his plate.
At times last season, Martin took some center snaps in practice. This summer, he is taking some more, working with the second-team offense at center.
“The coaches did a good job of just dropping me in there for a couple of snaps here and there to be sure [I’m ready] in some kind of emergency situation if they need someone to snap it,” Martin said.
Mackenzy Bernadeau served as the Cowboys' backup center in 2013-14, but he signed as a free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the offseason. The Cowboys signed veteran Joe Looney in free agency to replace Bernadeau, but the look at Martin is with an eye toward game day.
The Cowboys typically dress only seven offensive linemen for games, with backups at tackle and along the interior line. Ronald Leary, who is a starting-quality player, does not have the ability to play center, but the Cowboys could look for ways to get him on the game-day roster, especially with a $2.3 million base salary.
If Martin proves he can do the job, that would allow the Cowboys to dress their best group for games.
“It makes you think more just because you know there’s a lot that goes on,” Martin said of playing center. “There’s a lot more that’s going through your head up there. It’s not just what you’re doing but kind of what everybody is doing. It’s good to see that.”