BY NICK ST. DENIS
Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Jonathan Martin played left tackle in college, but he started his first 12 professional games on the right side last year with Jake Long manning the left.
Martin, however, started the last four games of the 2012 season at left tackle with Long out to injury. The Dolphins were indecisive about where to put Martin this offseason but ultimately opted to keep him on the left side after Long's departure.
As it turns out, the second-year player will be flipping positions yet again.
After it was clear the Tyson Clabo project at right tackle just wasn't working, the Dolphins traded for Baltimore Ravens tackle Bryant McKinnie Monday. It didn't take long for McKinnie to confirm what he was brought in to do.
"I'm a left tackle," the veteran McKinnie said Tuesday, via The Miami Herald. "All I've ever played. I've never taken a snap at right tackle."
So, whether he likes it or not, Martin will re-assume his old place on the right edge of Miami's offensive line. Martin said he'll take the team-player approach to the change.
Dolphins coach Joe Philbin admitted this week that there is some skepticism with how the move will fare. But ultimately, some kind of alteration was necessary, as the Dolphins are giving up sacks at an alarming league-high rate.
"Any time you move a player, there’s always some concern about it," Philbin told the Herald.
