[3rd round #80] Martinas Rankin, OL, Mississippi State

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/martinas-rankin?id=32462018-0002-5601-845a-acb4f8dd89a0

Draft Projection: Round 2-3
NFL Comparison: Justin Britt

Overview
As a left tackle, Rankin will struggle with edge speed and as a right tackle he may have issues as a run blocker handling the power he will face. While he offers tackle flexibility and may get an early look at right tackle, his best position might be at center where his instincts and intelligence will stand out. The further Rankin kicks inside the better he will be. He may be average as a tackle or guard, but he could become a good NFL starter if he gets his shot at center.

Strengths

• Offers five position versatility and center might be his best spot as a pro
• Feet are active and sudden in his sets and mirroring
• Good initial get-off with kick slides
• Disciplined enough to stay square in pass sets longer without opening too early
• Explodes from upper body into his punch
• Instinctive with eyes that don't panic
• Doesn't overreact to early movement from twists and stunts
• Stays focused on sneaky Petes looking to loop over the top or attack with a delayed blitz
• Accelerates with loaded hands into down blocks
• Lands with force creating early imbalance from defender
• Takes good angles to his direct second level targets
• Shows some ability to reset hands and scramble when early phase of block is off.

Weaknesses

• Average slide quickness to meet edge speed
• Plays with some ankle stiffness
• Base narrows as slide progresses
• Hands take rounded route into punch opening his frame
• Hand placement runs wide and high
• Struggles to latch and ride in pass pro with defenders displacing his hands
• Lacks of firmness in outside hand and average slide quickness allows rushers access to his edge
• Gives some ground to power
• Comes off ball and lands with elevated pad level in run game
• Loses leverage battles
• Lacks initial lateral quickness
• Unable to sustain as drive blocker
• Inconsistent finisher losing command in the third phase of the block.

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http://www.espn.com/blog/houston-te...ton-texans-2018-draft-analysis-for-every-pick

Round 3, No. 80 overall: Martinas Rankin, OL, Mississippi State

My take: Left tackle was the Texans’ biggest hole entering the draft, but Houston hopes to have addressed that with the second of their three third-round picks. Rankin started nine games at left tackle last season at Mississippi State and will compete right away for the starting spot in 2018. The Texans hope they have their starting quarterback for the foreseeable future in Deshaun Watson, and if Rankin can win the job and play at a high level, Watson could have the protection he needs going forward -- something he lacked last season.

How he fits: Judging by the offensive linemen the Texans signed in free agency, the versatility to play multiple positions on the offensive line is very important to Gaine and head coach Bill O’Brien. That comes through again with the pick of Rankin, who said he is comfortable at all five positions on the offensive line. The Texans started five different left tackles in 2017 -- Duane Brown, Chris Clark, Kendall Lamm, Julién Davenport and Jeff Allen -- and hope that Rankin can end that streak. He will likely compete with Davenport for the starting spot. Rankin dealt with a high ankle sprain last season, but said he will be ready for Texans' rookie minicamp next month.​