Seattle, WA – In a significant move during the 2025 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks selected running back Damien Martinez from the University of Miami with the No. 223 pick in the seventh round. This decision comes after a successful collegiate career, marked by strong performances and impressive stats.
Martinez began his football journey at Oregon State, where he was a three-year starter. During his time with the Beavers, he earned the title of Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and was recognized as a first-team All-Pac-12 athlete twice. In his first season, he amassed 982 rushing yards, leading the team, and followed that up with an even better second year, rushing for 1,185 yards.
Local fans may remember his standout performances against the University of Washington, where he showcased his skill by rushing for a total of 230 yards and scoring two touchdowns in two matchups in 2022 and 2023. After transferring to Miami, Martinez continued his productive run, leading the team with 1,002 rushing yards and scoring 10 touchdowns while averaging an impressive 6.3 yards per carry over the last season.
According to NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein,, Martinez is described as a “productive three-year starter” with a mix of power and agility, making him “a big back” who excels in finding yards after contact. Though he lacks breakaway speed, his ability to navigate through congested defenses demonstrates his tactical football intelligence.
Seattle’s management is optimistic about Martinez’s potential contribution, viewing him as someone who can take on a significant role in the Seahawks’ running game. As the draft concluded, the Seahawks made 11 selections in total, including picks in other positions, reflecting a clear intent to enhance their roster ahead of the upcoming season.
As the Seahawks gear up for the 2025 NFL season, fans are looking forward to seeing how Martinez will fit into their strategic plan alongside the other new recruits.
