Bill O'Brien sings praises of Texans rookie lineman Nick Martin

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The precocious nature of center Nick Martin has earned him a reputation as a sharp, technically sound blocker and a tough customer at the line of scrimmage.

It's also earned him the distinction as one of the top rookies Texans coach Bill O'Brien has ever coached. And O'Brien's coaching background overlaps with New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski when he was a rookie.

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The younger brother of Dallas Cowboys standout offensive lineman Zack Martin, the second-round draft pick from Notre Dame, is competing with veteran Tony Bergstrom for an immediate starting job.

"It's been good, he's a good player," O'Brien said of Martin. "He's tough, he's strong, very smart guy. He'll have his ups and downs just being a rookie and having to deal with the different physical nature of pro football versus college football, but he's one of the better rookies I've been around."

Martin has injected athleticism and versatility into the Texans' offensive line.

A three-year starter and two-time captain for the Fighting Irish who played in the Senior Bowl all-star game, Martin was drafted with the 50th overall pick.

Martin is proving to be a quick study despite the demands of the job. He's leaned on the advice of older blockers, including left tackle Duane Brown, right tackle Derek Newton, right guard Jeff Allen and left guard Xavier Su'a-Filo.

Texans rookie center Nick Martin (right) has earned strong praise from coach Bill O'Brien so far in training camp. Texans rookie center Nick Martin (right) has earned strong praise from coach Bill O'Brien so far in training camp. Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 54 Caption Close Bill O'Brien sings praises of Texans rookie lineman Nick Martin 1 / 54 Back to Gallery

"It's a lot, especially mentally and from the offensive standpoint but I'm just trying to work," Martin said. "It makes it easier when you've got veterans out there like Duane and Newton talking to you coming off the sideline. Playing next to Jeff and Xavier who have experience, it really makes you comfortable."

The joke around the Texans organization is the next center they need to draft is currently in middle school.

Signed to a four-year, $4.77 million contract that includes $2.78 million guaranteed and a $1.67 million signing bonus, Martin is a polished blocker.

"I love Nick and I love him for a couple reasons," Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler said. "First of all, Nick's just a tremendous person. He's a great friend. I've had a ton of fun with him on and off the football field. So, he's a great guy.

"More importantly, as a football player he comes to work, he has an edge about him, he comes to work every single day, he wants to get better, and every single day he does get better. As far as what you said, a rookie center coming into this system and going out there and playing at the level he is, it's truly impressive."

Martin still has more work to do as he tries to gain leverage against massive nose tackles like Texans five-time Pro Bowl selection Vince Wilfork. He understands there's going to be a steep learning curve.

"Yeah, but that's the great part about it," Martin said. "You're going against Vince and guys like that every day. You're not going to see anyone better especially with our defensive Line. That's what you want to do if it's the competition."