NFL Draft Profile: Carlton Martial, Linebacker, Troy Trojans
Carlton Martial
Troy Trojans
#2
Pos: LB
Ht: 5073
Wt: 210
Hand: 918
Arm: 2978
Wing: 7178
40: 4.80
DOB: 4/11/1999
Hometown: Mobile, AL
High School: McGill-Toolen
Eligibility: 2023
One-Liner:
Carlton Marital is an undersized LB who has range, instincts, intelligence, and athleticism to create havoc for offenses - he can have an immediate impact on special teams at the next level and can attempt to become an inside-the-box safety
Evaluation:
Carlton Marital was an extremely productive LB obtaining the all-time FBS leader in tackles with 578. He has below-average size but often makes up for it with high football intelligence and awareness, instincts, athleticism, and range. Marital has a thick lower body and muscular upper body bringing into question if his body can hold much more healthy weight. He showed his football intelligence through his pre-snap checks and overall anticipation. He excels running sideline-to-sideline using his above-average closing speed and acceleration to read, anticipate, and make a play. Marital uses his short stature to his advantage by getting low pad level and leverage on opponents. He can struggle to disengage from a blocker even when he attempts to use his violent hands. In the passing game, Marital shows great awareness in zone coverage. When rushing the passer, he is effective on outside-in stunts and using his hands to get around tackles outside. When rushing around the edge, tackles can push him around the pocket, removing him from the play. In the run game, Marital displays above-average instincts and solid quickness to shoot gaps against zone offenses. His size, however, makes it hard for him to shed blocks against offensive linemen when engaged.
Grade:
6th Round
Background:
Originally from Mobile, Alabama. Attended McGill-Toolen High School. Played at Troy University. Decided to redshirt his first year. As a redshirt freshman, he played in twelve games, totaling seventy-six tackles, three sacks, and three forced fumbles. Was a candidate for top Sun Belt Freshman of the Year. He had an outstanding sophomore season, playing in twelve games, totaling 126 tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles and three interceptions. As a junior, As a junior played in eleven games, totaling 113 tackles, one sack, and one interception. Named to the 2020 All-Sun Belt First Team. During the following season, he played in twelve games, totaling 127 tackles, two sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble. Named to the 2021 All-Sun Belt First Team. He played in twelve games during his senior season, totaling 135 tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble.
