Max Tuerk played for the USC Trojans where he displayed versatility prized at the NFL level, by playing efficiently at every position on the offensive line. He’s displayed great footwork and plays smart football. Max has got the height and the long arms, but not the size, and will have to bulk up to hold his own at center against nosetackles in the NFL. While initially presented as a center in a relatively talented class at that position- some clubs have projected Tuerk as a guard or even a tackle. His draft stock would be even higher, but a torn ACL suffered in October of 2015 diminished his draft stock significantly.
Tuerk had a 3rd round grade slapped on him for the 2016 draft and did not disappoint. The Chargers selected him with their 3rd round pick where he could see action at either guard or center.
UPDATE 6/21/20- The Arizona Cardinals signed Tuerk off of the Chargers’ practice squad in November of 2017 and then he was released in 2018. Max passed away at the age of 26 yesterday. No cause of death was given.
Nick Martin is a highly regarded center who played for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Clocking in at 6’4″, 301, Martin has the flexibility to play center and guard. The team captain in 2014 and 2015, Nick played on the same line as his brother Zack in 2013. A center with a mean streak, Martin is a road grader who has the true potential to become a starter at the pro level. Scouts rave about his talent, but with such a deep pool of prospects at his position, Nick will go off the board between the 2nd and 3rd rounds.
With Ben Jones betraying the Texans for a pittance to join the Tacks in Tennessee, the Texans were still looking to shore up their offensive line after making some free agency moves. Houston drafted Martin with their second round pick where he is expected to compete for the starting center or guard job.
Michael Thomas is ranked among the top 5 prospects at wide receiver in the 2016 NFL draft. Aided by perhaps his pedigree as a member of Ohio State, Thomas has shot up boards with incredible boom/ bust potential. He’s got the big 3 things scouts look for in spades (weight, speed, and height) but scouts were unimpressed by his football load while playing for the Buckeyes. They just felt he was underutilized, wasn’t demanded to use too much of the route tree, and didn’t showcase his abilities- which he’s just scratching the surface of. Still it looks like Thomas will go as early as round 2 or late as round 3 in the 2016 NFL draft. He shot up final draft boards, and the Saints drafted him with their second round pick. Thomas is expected to replace recently departed Marques Colston at WR.
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