Five potential destinations for Miami Hurricanes running back Damien Martinez in the NFL Draft

Five Potential Destinations for Miami Hurricanes Running Back Damien Martinez in the NFL Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, college football fans, analysts, and NFL teams alike are focusing their attention on some of the most promising prospects to enter the league. Among those rising stars is Damien Martinez, a dynamic running back for the Miami Hurricanes, whose blend of power, vision, and speed has drawn significant attention from scouts and coaches across the league. After an explosive career at Miami, Martinez is expected to be one of the top running backs available in the 2025 draft, and there are several NFL teams that could be an ideal landing spot for the talented playmaker.

In this article, we’ll break down five potential destinations for Damien Martinez in the NFL Draft, analyzing the fit between Martinez’s skill set and each team’s needs. Whether the team is in desperate need of a feature back, looking to complement an established running back duo, or aiming to add depth to their backfield, Martinez could be the perfect solution.

1. Miami Dolphins: Reuniting with the Hurricanes’ Home Team

One of the most intriguing potential landing spots for Damien Martinez in the 2025 NFL Draft is the Miami Dolphins. With the Dolphins building a high-powered offense under head coach Mike McDaniel, the team could use an explosive running back to complement their passing attack, which is led by the dynamic duo of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill.

Why Miami?

The Dolphins have been in search of a consistent, every-down running back to pair with their fast-paced offense, and Damien Martinez could be the perfect fit. Martinez possesses elite speed, vision, and the ability to make defenders miss in the open field — qualities that fit well with McDaniel’s outside-zone scheme. His ability to quickly turn the corner, burst through holes, and accelerate into the second level would make him a dangerous asset in Miami’s dynamic system.

The Dolphins already have Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr., both of whom have contributed in the backfield, but neither has the skill set to be a true workhorse back. Martinez has the tools to step in as the feature back, handling the bulk of the carries while still being able to contribute as a receiving option out of the backfield. His pass-catching ability would allow him to mesh seamlessly with Miami’s wide-open passing attack, making him a dual-threat weapon.

Given that the Dolphins already have a strong offensive line, Martinez could thrive in an environment that allows him to run behind quick lateral movement and explosive blocking schemes. His combination of speed and power makes him a perfect fit for Miami’s system, and a selection here would undoubtedly excite the Dolphins’ fanbase.

Best-Case Scenario in Miami:

Martinez would quickly earn the starting role, competing for rushing titles while becoming a crucial part of the Dolphins’ high-octane offense. His ability to be a home-run threat on every touch would make him one of the most exciting young players in the league.

2. Buffalo Bills: Providing Balance to an Explosive Offense

The Buffalo Bills have built one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL around quarterback Josh Allen, but one of the few missing pieces is a true feature back who can provide balance to their high-flying passing game. While Devin Singletary and James Cook have had their moments, the Bills have not yet found the consistent, all-around back who can complement Allen’s arm and elevate their running game. This is where Damien Martinez could step in and make an immediate impact.

Why Buffalo?

The Bills are a pass-heavy offense, often relying on Allen’s arm to carry the team, but their inability to establish a consistent running game has hurt them in key moments. Buffalo’s offensive line has the potential to be very effective when it comes to creating running lanes, and with the right back to help them out, the Bills could become even more difficult to stop.

Damien Martinez’s powerful running style, combined with his ability to break off big runs, would provide an ideal balance to the offense. Martinez excels in short-yardage situations, making him a perfect complement to Allen, who is known for his strong running ability but could benefit from a back who can take some of the load off. Additionally, Martinez is an excellent receiver out of the backfield, which would make him a dangerous weapon in Buffalo’s spread offense.

In an offense that often uses motion, play action, and deep passing concepts, Martinez would excel in open space, where he could showcase his vision and burst. His skill set would allow the Bills to maintain offensive balance and keep defenses guessing — something that would be crucial for a team looking to take that final step and win a Super Bowl.

Best-Case Scenario in Buffalo:

Martinez provides the Bills with a true workhorse running back who can control the tempo of games and create big plays in the running and passing game. He helps the team achieve a more balanced offensive attack, potentially making them more dangerous come playoff time.

3. Dallas Cowboys: A Complementary Piece to Ezekiel Elliott’s Successor

The Dallas Cowboys have built one of the most physical running games in the NFL over the last decade, led by Ezekiel Elliott. However, as Elliott’s performance has waned in recent years, the Cowboys have turned to Tony Pollard as the lead back. While Pollard has shown potential, the Cowboys could still use a complement to Pollard, especially one with the ability to take on more of the load when needed.

Why Dallas?

Damien Martinez would be an ideal fit alongside Pollard, providing a one-two punch in the Cowboys’ backfield. While Pollard is known for his explosiveness and ability to break off long runs, Martinez brings a more balanced skill set, offering the ability to grind out tough yards between the tackles while still being a threat to break big plays. His physicality and vision would pair well with Pollard’s speed, and the two could form a powerful duo that would keep opposing defenses on their heels.

Additionally, Dallas has one of the best offensive lines in football, which would give Martinez plenty of opportunities to thrive. His downhill running style would play well behind their big front, and his ability to hit holes quickly would allow him to maximize his production. The Cowboys have often relied on a committee approach at running back, and adding a player like Martinez would help them maintain that strategy while ensuring they have fresh legs at the position throughout the season.

Best-Case Scenario in Dallas:

Martinez and Pollard form a formidable duo, providing the Cowboys with a balanced rushing attack that opens up their passing game. Martinez could thrive as a workhorse back when Pollard needs a breather, and his ability to contribute in the passing game would make him a key part of the Cowboys’ offensive scheme.

4. Minnesota Vikings: A Power-Running Complement to Dalvin Cook

The Minnesota Vikings have one of the best running backs in the NFL in Dalvin Cook, but injuries have plagued Cook in recent seasons, and Minnesota could benefit from adding a second running back to help ease his workload. While Alexander Mattison has been a capable backup, the Vikings could use someone like Damien Martinez to provide a change of pace and offer more physicality in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

Why Minnesota?

Martinez’s physicality and vision would complement Cook’s explosive running style perfectly. While Cook thrives in open space and has the ability to make defenders miss in the open field, Martinez is more of a power runner who can break tackles and grind out tough yards. This would provide Minnesota with a balanced backfield that could wear down opposing defenses over the course of a game.

In addition to his power running, Martinez is capable of being a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield, which would fit into the Vikings’ play-action-heavy offense. This versatility would allow the Vikings to keep their offense unpredictable, creating mismatches for opposing defenses.

Best-Case Scenario in Minnesota:

Martinez shares the backfield with Cook, contributing as a powerful, versatile weapon in both the running and passing games. His ability to take on a larger role during key moments of games would make him a valuable asset to Minnesota’s Super Bowl aspirations.

5. Indianapolis Colts: A Key Piece in the New Regime

The Indianapolis Colts have been rebuilding their offense in recent years, and adding a young, dynamic running back could be the final piece of the puzzle. While the team has Jonathan Taylor as their clear starter, adding a running back like Damien Martinez would provide valuable depth and versatility, ensuring that the Colts have a complete and effective backfield.

Why Indianapolis?

Martinez would be a perfect complement to Taylor, who is one of the best running backs in the NFL. While Taylor is a dynamic and explosive playmaker, Martinez offers a more physical style of running that could help the Colts in short-yardage situations and during the grind of a long season. Additionally, Martinez’s ability to contribute as a receiver out of the backfield would make him a valuable weapon in the Colts’ offense, which is expected to be more pass-oriented with Anthony Richardson or another young quarterback under center.

The Colts are in a rebuilding phase, and adding Martinez could be a foundational piece to ensure that their offense remains balanced as they move forward. His power, vision, and versatility would fit well with what the Colts are trying to build, both in the backfield and on the offensive line.

Best-Case Scenario in Indianapolis:

Martinez serves as a dynamic second option in the Colts’ backfield, providing support for Jonathan Taylor and playing an integral role in both the running and passing games. As the offense continues to evolve, Martinez would become a key piece of the Colts’ future success.