Martellus Bennett
TE, Texas A&M · 2008 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #61 (DAL)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, availability. Details below.
- Age
21 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.6% of the time (663 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 144 of ~160 possible regular-season games from 2008 through 2017 (~90%). Last NFL season: 2017.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #70 (#4 at his position), close to where he went (#61). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Texas A&M: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.68 40-yard dash at 259 lbs: faster than 64% of TEs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
TE (TE group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 37.1% of the time (321 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 144 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 8 |
| Pro Bowls | 1 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 35 |
| Rushing | 2 att, 10 yds, undefined TD |
| Receiving | 433 rec, 4,573 yds, 30 TD |
| Defense | 2 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2017 |
The 2008 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2008 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 21 or younger | 56.6% n=663 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 | |
| Position TE | 37.1% n=321 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 6", 259 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.68 s |
| Bench press | 18 reps |
| Vertical | 34" |
| Broad jump | 118" |
| 3-cone | 7.64 s |
| Shuttle | 4.53 s |
| Age at draft | 21 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #70 overall (#4 TE) |
Picked around him 2008 redraft
| 58 | Dexter Jackson | redraft #206 |
| 59 | Mike Pollak | redraft #66 |
| 60 | Pat Lee | redraft #155 |
| 62 | Terrence Wheatley | redraft #186 |
| 63 | Terrell Thomas | redraft #87 |
| 64 | Kevin Smith | redraft #85 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.