“Mystery” Defensive Lineman Gaining Notice

Canadian defensive lineman Vaughn Martin is emerging as an eye-catching sleeper NFL draft prospect after a series of strong workouts. The 6'4,” 327-pound Western Ontario standout ran the 40-yard dash in 5.04 seconds and bench pressed 225 pounds 32 times at his recent Pro Day. There’s also a new YouTube video where Martin launches a scout into the air in a drill. A former Michigan State recruit who opted to remain close to home and play in Canada, Martin left Western Ontario with three years of eligibility remaining to declare for the NFL draft. “I’m raw, but I am extremely athletic,” Martin told NFL.com. “I am bigger than most of the guys already playing those positions and I’m tough. With me, you get a blank canvas to mold into whatever you want to mold me into.” Although Martin, 22, is allowed under Canadian rules to return to school and retain his eligibility if he doesn’t get drafted, he has said he doesn’t intend to do so and will pursue the NFL regardless of whether he’s drafted or not. A native of Jamaica who played high school football in Canada, Martin isn’t eligible for the CFL draft until 2011. In addition to playing on the defensive line, Martin rushed for two touchdowns as a short-yardage back last season.