Card: Sage 2014 Acquired: 2016, Box Breaker See Also: Kareem Martin
Kareem Martin slowly blossomed into his game after he transitioned to outside linebacker in the pros. He saw limited playtime early in his career in Arizona, starting 10 games at outside linebacker and defensive end in 2017. He finished the season with 23 combined tackles, 2 tackles for losses, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception and 3 pass deflections. The Giants snapped up Kareem during free agency and penciled him in as a starter at outside linebacker in their revamped defense. He finished 2018 with 48 combined tackles, 2 pass deflections, 1.5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, and 10 quarterback hits in 7 starts. Martin was injured during week 1 of the 2019 campaign, and was cut at the end of the season. During 2020, Kareem was a depth signee by the Detroit Lions, seeing brief action with the team but not recording any stats. Currently he’s a free agent.
Kareem was considered one of the nation’s top defensive end talents entering the 2014 draft. At North Carolina, the Tar Heel had 11.5 sacks (8th) and was an imposing force against the run (23rd). For his efforts he was an All-ACC First Team selection.
Martin’s combine really showcased what a physical specimen and athlete he is posessing the frame and straight speed that many teams look for. His size allows him to kick inside on passing downs, while his impressive arm and leg strength compensate for his lack of fluidity tackling ball carriers. He was also a tempting prospect as a left end in a 4-3 alignment. The Arizona Cardinals drafted Martin in the 3rd round of the 2014 draft. He was penciled in at defensive end, and made 8 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble that season in the Cardinals’ stout defensive line rotation.
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