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When breaking down the Patriots offense, there’s a few names that come to mind. None of those ever seem to be Keshawn Martin, the speedy wideout acquired by the Patriots this season. Martin has shown flashes of skill here and there this season, but there’s still some time for him to make his mark. With all the attention on Gronkowski and Edelman, Martin is an underrated deep threat on the outside.
Here’s the scoop on Martin:
1. Martin Has Been Multitalented Since His Days at Michigan State
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The Patriots like players who are versatile, and Martin was the definition of a utility player at Michigan State. The Inkster, Michigan native was best at wide receiver, where he caught 127 passes, but he also had success running and even throwing the football. He also scored three touchdowns as a punt and kick returner while in East Lansing.
He isn’t expected to throw any balls in New England, but the versatility is something the Patriots always like. Martin can be used reliably on special teams, and that helps with New England’s thin receiving corps. He returned a kickoff 75 yards against the Titans, the team’s longest return of the season.
2. He Was Traded From Houston After Week One
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Entering his fourth year with the Texans, Martin faced stiff competition at his position in Houston. DeAndre Hopkins is one of the league’s best receivers, and the team selected two wideouts in the previous draft. Rookies Jaelen Strong and Keith Mumphery moved ahead of Martin on the depth chart, ultimately ending his time there.
Martin did not see time during Houston’s home opener against Kansas City, and was traded three days later. The Texans received a fifth-round pick in the deal, and also gave a sixth-round pick to New England.
3. He’s Having the Best Season of His Career
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It isn’t much, but Martin is is having the best of his four years in the NFL. He saw extended playing time during the final five weeks of the regular season, when Julian Edelman was sidelined with a foot injury.
In total, Martin set career-highs for catches (24) and yards (269) in a season. It’s a positive step for Martin, who was buried on the depth chart in Houston but may find success in New England.
4. He Caught a TD Against His Former Team This Season
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Twelve weeks after being traded, Martin was back in Houston for Sunday Night Football. The Patriots easily dispatched the Texans that night, and they did so with help from Martin. He showed what Houston gave away, scoring early on a short route near the goal line. New England went on to win 27-6, but Martin has not scored in a game since.
5. Martin Has Drawn Praise From Patriots Coaches
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It didn’t take long for Martin to become familiar with New England’s offense, and that’s no surprise. It’s a similar system to Houston’s, because that’s where Texans coach Bill O’Brien made his name as an offensive coordinator.
After Martin was targeted 11 times in the Patriots final meeting with the Jets this season, coach Belichick had high praise for Martin.
“He’s alert, he’s sharp, ready to go, competes hard, practices well,” Belichick said in December. “I think he’s improved significantly, both in his kicking game, ball handling and also his offensive receiving work, route techniques, ball skills, adjustments and so forth. Even though it was a later starting time, his performance has just kind of improved every week, and I think there is a lot of confidence in him. He’s been able to help us and I’m glad we have him. He’s been a great addition for us.”