LJ Martin, RB, BYU: 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report
1. General Information
|
Name |
LJ Martin |
|
Position |
Running Back (RB) |
|
Number |
4 |
|
Class |
Senior |
|
School |
BYU |
|
Height / Weight |
6’2″ / 225 lbs |
|
Hometown / HS |
El Paso, Texas / Canutillo HS |
2. Career Statistical Breakdown
Rushing & Receiving Stats
|
**Season** |
**Team** |
**G** |
**Att** |
**Yds** |
**Avg** |
**TD** |
**Rec** |
**Yds** |
**Avg** |
**TD** |
|
2023 |
BYU |
11 |
109 |
518 |
4.8 |
4 |
11 |
45 |
4.1 |
0 |
|
2024 |
BYU |
10 |
137 |
718 |
5.2 |
7 |
10 |
98 |
9.8 |
0 |
|
2025 |
BYU |
13 |
236 |
1,305 |
5.5 |
12 |
36 |
255 |
7.1 |
0 |
|
**Total** |
**34** |
**482** |
**2,541** |
**5.3** |
**23** |
**57** |
**398** |
**7.0** |
**0** |
3. NFL Combine Testing Projections
Projected metrics for the 2027 NFL Draft cycle based on athletic history and current developmental trajectory.
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.52 – 4.60s
- Vertical Jump: 34.0″ – 36.0″
- Broad Jump: 10’0″ – 10’4″
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.20 – 4.30s
- 3-Cone Drill: 6.98 – 7.12s
4. Scouting & Transfer Notes
Background Profile
Martin arrived in Provo out of Canutillo High School in El Paso as a highly decorated Texas prep prospect. After earning immediate playing time as a true freshman in 2023, he steadily assumed full control of the Cougars’ backfield. His true breakout came in 2025, when he captained BYU’s physical, run-first offense. Martin carried the rock 236 times for a massive 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns, capturing the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year award and cementing his status as one of the most physically imposing draft-eligible backs in the country.
Key Strengths
- Ideal Workhorse Frame: Possesses prototypical NFL size at 6’2″ and 225 pounds, giving him rare built-in lower-body thickness and excellent modern bell-cow durability.
- Premium Short-Area Power: Runs with a violent, authoritative forward lean; utilizes high-tier contact balance to break initial arm tackles and routinely push the pile inside the tackles.
- Excellent Spatial Vision: Displays high-level patient track discipline, letting his blocks develop perfectly before making precise, one-cut commitments into open daylight.
- Evolving Passing Footprint: Elevated his passing-game profile exponentially in 2025, snaring 36 receptions to provide dynamic third-down utility and check-down dependability.
Developmental Focus
Due to a shoulder injury that has kept him out of early contact drills during spring workouts, pro evaluators will place heavy focus on his upcoming medical clearance evaluations. Structurally, because of his taller running back build, Martin can occasionally leave his lower torso exposed to low leg-tackles in open spaces, and scouts will look for him to show more sudden breakaway gear transition to pull away from elite secondary units in 2026.
Draft Countdown Film Notes
*pending*
All-Star Game Notes
*pending*
Combine/Pro Day Measurables
*pending*