The 2025 NFL Draft brought new faces and fresh talent to the Seattle Seahawks. Among the most intriguing additions is Damien Martinez, the powerful running back whose journey from Oregon State to Miami, and now the NFL, has captured the attention of football fans across the country.

Rising Star: From Oregon State to Miami

Damien Martinez quickly established himself as a force in college football. During his two years with the Oregon State Beavers, Martinez showcased remarkable power and vision. In 2022, he ran for 982 yards, earning Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors. Martinez followed up with an even stronger sophomore campaign, rushing for 1,185 yards and earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors for the second consecutive season. His ability to find gaps and power through tackles made him stand out among his peers.

Seeking new challenges, Martinez transferred to the University of Miami for the 2024 season. He didn’t disappoint. Starting 10 of 13 games, Martinez amassed 1,002 yards on the ground and scored 10 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 6.3 yards per carry. Beyond running, he added a solid receiving element to his game, bringing versatility to the Hurricanes’ offense.

Seventh-Round Steal for the Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks recognized Damien Martinez’s potential and selected him with the 223rd overall pick in the seventh round. His draft selection was covered in depth by Seahawks.com, highlighting his consistent production and strength as a "big back" who creates yards after contact. Although Martinez lacks blazing speed, his power, decisiveness, and ability to change direction make him a valuable asset.

For a full breakdown of Martinez’s draft profile and his journey to Seattle, take a look at oregonlive.com’s feature, which details his path from the Pac-12 to the ACC and, finally, to the NFL.

What Makes Damien Martinez a Perfect Fit?

Martinez brings a unique blend of toughness and adaptability to the Seahawks’ running back room. He’s proven he can shoulder a heavy workload and continue producing even in challenging situations. NFL analysts, including those at Seahawks.com, have praised his vision and balance, noting that he consistently makes something out of nothing on congested plays.

His college stats back up the hype: over three years, Martinez averaged more than six yards per carry on 514 career totes. He’s not just a runner—his hands and route-running ability give him value as a receiver out of the backfield. While he may start as a complementary banger, Martinez could develop into a featured weapon if called upon.

Looking Ahead

Damien Martinez’s transition to the Seahawks offers both excitement and promise. He has the tools and temperament to contribute at the next level. With guidance from Seattle’s coaching staff and a competitive running back group, Martinez will have every opportunity to carve out a meaningful role during his rookie campaign.

For fans eager to learn even more about the seventh-round pick, The Seattle Times provides additional insights into Seattle’s running back depth and the impact Martinez could make this season.

In summary: Damien Martinez’s journey—from PAC-12 sensation to Hurricanes standout and now Seahawks rookie—illustrates persistence and powerful play. Watch closely as he aims to become one of Seattle’s new fan favorites in the NFL.