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Is Martez Wilson the Answer for the Giants?

by John Fennelly on March 2nd, 2011 at 3:18 pm

Jon Ritchie of ESPN said this morning that the Giants needs some help on DEFENSE in the draft.  Mr. Ritchie is a Stanford man and understands the game more than most.  He, like I, know the Giants need a slammer in the middle of their defense.

Although Ritchie, like myself, believe Giants’ current MLB Jonathan Goff has not done a poor job for the Blue, he believes they need to upgrade in order to compete and get back to the playoffs.

The player he suggested the Giants draft is Illinois LB Martez Wilson.

According to Walter Football, who have Wilson going in the early stages of the second round to Arizona…

Wilson just had an outstanding Combine, running a 4.44 40 and leaping a 36-inch vertical. Wilson, at 6-4, 250 pounds and 34 5/8-inch arms, is a very talented linebacker. I wanted to place him higher than this, but I had trouble fitting him in, since inside linebacker isn’t a major need for many teams in the 25-40 draft area.

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About John Fennelly

Managing Editor of SNY.tv's Giants Football Blog - the ultimate destination for New York Giants' news, opinion and entertainment. View all posts by John Fennelly →
  • Mickster

    Yeah, he sure looks good. Not sure if he can succeed as a MLB with that thin frame of his. Maybe SAM would be the best spot for him in our defense – at least to start.

    • http://twitter.com/Esteban2go Esteban Gonzalez

      I wouldn’t put Martez Wilson at MLB in a 4-3 unless you wanted to see him become a bust. Put him at OLB and take advantage of his size/speed. If I was a 3-4 team I’d be looking at him as an OLB especially, but in an attack 3-4 system like the Steelers or Packers he could be used like Lawrence Timmons, but he’s not the football player Timmons is, but he’s in the same category as an athlete. Even on a 3-4 team though I’d be hesitant to take him in the 1st. When I watched IL he never looked like a guy who belonged in the 1st round to me. boom or bust.

  • jaymanjd

    He’s good and I would not mind moving up in the second round for him. However to take him at 19 is a reach. Whether he plays inside or outside doesn’t matter because if your smart enough to play MLB your smart enough to play the other LB positions as well. He has the speed and strength to play any of the LB positions and because of his size he can be sent to rush the passer. He is the closest thing to a 4-3 guy in the early rounds that I have seen. The other guy is houston but he is a bit of a tweener. If the giants move up possibly trading with New England into the top second round they should be about to snag him. nnAgain the smart thing to do would be to take a value pick of a guy like Holder or Castanzo at 19 but would anyone be shocked if the first two rounds gave us Jimmy Smith and Mertz Wilson. I wouldn’t be. At first I thought that there was only maybe two lock down CB’s but Jimmy has the size and speed to be a 1B guy in this draft. He is closer to the top two than first thought.

    • Mickster

      Jayman,nnDon’t know what you slipped them, but now you got just about everybody but me asking for Nnamdi. Well done. Too bad the Mara’s will never let it happen.nnAfter taking one of the good OTs, I’d have no problem combining our #2 and #3 to trade up for Martez earlier in round 2. Add a good DT in round 4 a decent RB in 6 or 7, and I’ll label this draft a big success for us.

      • Touchdownmaker

        I really like that idea. Constanzo or Carimi and Martez, would make me very happy.

  • Cobalt2323

    I don’t see it. He is a very good player but body style wise… he seems to be suited to play the outside. He does not come across as a “run stuffing ” linebacker who puts the fear in opposing players.

    • J. Williams

      Ever heard of Jack Lambert?

    • Touchdownmaker

      Size wise, he is just fine. Patrick Willis is 6-1 240, this dude is 6-4 250. Ray Lewis 6-1 250. Jonathan Wilma 6-1 230.

  • BIG BLUE

    At 6’4”/250lbs. a 4.44/40 is ridiculous. That 4.44 is actually the low end time. Hey!!!!!! Maybe the Giants can use him as that deep field threat on the offensive side. Wilson actually ran the 40 faster then A.J. Green.nI would take Houston over Wilson. Houston can play the OLB postion in the 4-3. Don’t forget Houston has a “knack” for creating havoc behind the line of scrimmage. While playing in the toughest conference in college football the SEC. Houston had 30 reps/225lbs. and his 4.59/40 is amazing. Considering Houston is at 270lbs. for the combine workouts.

    • J. Williams

      I guess you’re working from the pov that Goff’s 80 tackles in the middle are okay.

      • BIG BLUE

        I never said Goff’s 80 tackles this past season was the best performance by a MLBer last season. But for Goff’s first full season at the position and having a new DC last year. Pretty impressive stats for a 25 year old, 2008-5th round pick, learning a new defensive system.

        • J. Williams

          Right, just wanted to assess what pov you were working from. I disagree but okay. From you’re pov the Giants are set at MLB and need to focus more on the OLBs. That’s not unreasonable. If they can put two playmakers around Goff then that isn’t a bad LB corp.nnI still think that in a Tampa 2, your MLB needs to be special.

          • BIG BLUE

            Agreed in the Tampa 2 the MLBer has to have that something extra. Goff should be given that chance based on his performance this year.nnLook at the Bears’ Brian Urlacher a safety in college at New Mexico and is now considered one of the best MLBers over the last 15-20 years.nMy point being anything is possible.nnQuestion J Will….. If NC’s DE/OLB Robert Quinn happens to fall like Dez Bryant did last year, because of his off-the-field issues in college. Do you think the Giants should draft him?

          • Touchdownmaker

            You know what, I am going to have to disagree on this one. You don’t need a special Mike to man the Tampa 2. I actually think you can go with the smaller athletic guy in a Tampa 2. In today’s NFL you actually need the complete package in a traditional 4-3. The MIKE needs to have size against the run, but also be fluid in coverage due to the pass happy nature of the NFL. Its tough to find that big dude, that can also move. In the Tampa 2, you can sacrifice size for speed. In the traditional 4-3, you need both.nn

          • Mickster

            Now that Cofield probably will not be around to help keep blockers off him, we’ll really find out what Goff can do. I’m not overly optimistic about his prospects.

          • BIG BLUE

            Cofield will be resigned. The current CBA issues have haulted the Giants from resigning Cofield and Bradshaw. Just like the CBA affects Peyton Manning and his contract negotiations.nIt’s funny that you stated that the possibility of Cofield not being on the D-line for the Giants next year, would affect Goff’s play. Yet it wouldn’t affect a 2011 unproven drafted rookie middle linebacker, trying to learn the Giants’ defensive playbook?(LOL)

          • Mickster

            Yes it certainly would affect a rookie MLB. You wouldn’t be trying to put words in my mouth, would you BB?nnI’m not suggesting a rookie MLB be drafted to replace Goff this year. We seem to be stuck with Goff for now. I’m intrigued by Martez Wilson as a possible SAM. I think that’s where he’ll excel in the NFL (or inside on a 3-4 alignment).nnAs for Cofield, I want him back. However, the Giants tried to trade him before last year because he and they were so far apart on salary expectations. Remember the trade with New Orleans that fell through?nWould LOVE to have Barry back, but how I think is completely different than how the Giants think.nnDon’t count on Bradshaw being back either. His ankles and their multiple operations are showing tell-tale signs of a short career and performance that may start to soon decline. You know he’ll want several years on a new contract, but he may only have one or two good ones left, sadly. GMs and owners think more long term than fans like you and I do.

          • BIG BLUE

            You made the comment and I responded. Noone is putting your own words in your mouth. Everytime someone responds to your comments, your response is well I really mean’t to say this or that. (LOL)nAs for Cofield and Bradshaw being resigned. It will happen after the new CBA is put in place. As far as you stating Bradshaw not coming back. I really think that Jacobs will become the casuality in the RB issues. Jacobs will be 31 when his current contract expires in 2 years. There are offers for Jacob’s services and it maybe wise to entertain those offers. As for Bradshaw those ankle issues aren’t as bad as you state. Bradshaw is only 26 and his only real football issues is his case of FUMBLITIS. If Coughlin could help correct that problem like he did with TIKI back in the day. A 1500plus/ double digit td. season is possible for Bradshaw. Keep in mind, that backfields consist of two quality backs in today’s game. And there is a ton of RB talent that will fall into the 2nd and 3rd rounds that the Giants can choose from, to replace Jacobs if the Giants choose to not keep him around for the future with the Giants. nLike I mentioned previously DE/OLB/OL and RB are needs. Don’t be surprised if Ingram is there at #19 and the Giants pick him. Ingram’s father has ties to the Giants’ glory days of the early 90s. Two other choices would be the Illini’s LeShoure and VTech’s Ryan Williams.nNonetheless I think a DE/OLB would fit the pick at #19. Especially with KIWI’s neck issues and a possible cap casualty in Umenyiora. OLB like I mentioned before is a major concern. So by drafting a player that is familar with both positions, it would be a win/win pick for the Giants.

          • BIG BLUE

            You disagree with me. Yet J Will had the same opinion. Not to forget you clearly stated that “the MIKE postition needs to have size against the run, and has to be fluid against the pass. It’s hard to find that big dude that can move”. Well shouldn’t those requirements you just stated about a MIKE or MLBer be considered SPECIAL?

          • J. Williams

            Here’s the thing. You’re running a Tampa 2. You need a MLB with descent speed, who’s good in space, who can tackle, who can read, and who can make 1-3 big plays during a game. It’s nice if that guy has the perfect frame, but he deosn’t have to. He needs to be athletic.nnSounds like WIlson fits all those needs. I haven’t seen Illinois play this season. I don’t know about his personality. I would like it to be that of a leader. But I’m not really concerned about his size.

          • J. Williams

            Smaller athletic guys can be special too. London Fletcher is a perfect example.

          • J. Williams

            Yeah. He’s blue chip. They absolutely should. But unfortunately, they spent their first round pick last season on JPP instead of addressing a need. So they don’t have the luxury of doing something like that. Anyway, Quinn ran a 4.7 40 so he wont fall.

          • BIG BLUE

            So you would take Quinn at #19, because he’s “blue chip”. Yet you wouldn’t take Houston at #19 becaues that would be considered a “reach” in your opinion.

          • Mickster

            Excuse me for answering a Q meant for J-Wil, but I think he implied that taking Quinn at #19 WOULD be wise, had we not taken JPP last year. To that I agree.nnHouston is not ONLY a bit of a “reach”, but I believe he’s ideally a Buck OLB in a 3-4, whose struggles in space as a SAM may be similar to those of Clint Sintim.nnUnfortunately there are not many players this year who we could successfully develop into a good SAM. Other than the outstanding talent of Von Miller, the ONLY one who I’d consider taking on the first day for this need is Martez Wilson. Because of the limited supply at this position, it will affect the demand for him. This will cause a team to “reach” for him earlier than his talent would dictate. So if the Giants really want him, they better take him at #19 because I think he’ll be gone soon after that.nnFor this reason I agree with what Jayman has been saying. The Giants will ultimately choose an OT at #19 blending the “value” of the player selection with the “need” of the position selection. Considering McKenzie’s age, wear, and expiring contract next year; plus the uncertainty at LT, in the Giants war-room it will be hard to argue the RISK of selecting one of the available OT’s. Certainly if a top 10 talent falls to #19 they may jump on it – but not another DE, as we’ll have WAY too much redundancy at those positions.

          • J. Williams

            Yeah, what Mickster said.nnWe’re talking about a hypothetical here. By not addressing a major need with a starter last season, the Giants don’t have the flexibility where if a blue chip player were to fall they could take advantage of it. There are simply too many needs to spend a 1st round draft pick on a DE, even if Quinn were to fall.

  • J. Williams

    Let’s see… nnHe’s a 4-3 MLB with a ton of experience playing exactly that position with prototypical size and even better speed. He can cover, has great lateral ability, and is a smart. nnSo that would be a no. Let’s draft another defensive end!!!

    • Touchdownmaker

      I really like Martez. The only issue I have is that he is pretty stiff. This could hurt him in coverage. Also the knock on him is that he padded his tackles numbers by piling(as in being the third guy to arrive at the party).nnHe need a guy who can run a 4.4 at the MIKE. They need to bring him in for a visit to make sure he isn’t another Gohlston, or Mamula.

      • J. Williams

        TD,nnGreat idea. But they also need to bring somebody that knows how to evaluate a 4-3 linebacker for that visit. Because obviously nobody in the Giants org does.

        • Touchdownmaker

          I hope Fewell has some say in this, because as you correctly stated, Reese can’t draft a LB to save his life. He thinks a 3-4 OLB equals a 4-3 SAM.

      • BIG BLUE

        You do know the Giants would be drafting Martez Wilson as an ILB. Gholston and Mamula were both OLB/DE. Gholston had a bad rap for his work ethic in college at OSU. And it hasn’t been corrected at the pro level either. In Mamula’s case, although effective at the DE spot with the Eagles. Mamula would have been better suited in a Patriots or Steelers style of defense. Nonetheless they were and are two cases of wasted talent, especially Gholston

        • J. Williams

          That’s true. I watched Ohio State a lot that year. There was nothing about Gholston that said he could make the transition to LB, even DE. He was a zero in coverage and had like two pass rush moves.

        • Touchdownmaker

          I am sorry I should have been more clear. I brought up Mamula and Gholston’s not because of their positions, but because they were all workout warriors, but produced very little. To be fair, Mamula had a decent career, but he should have been a third rounder. nnMy point was that Reese needs to bring him in for a visit, so they can get a better read on him. Does his game speed match his 40 time, and can they coach him up to where it will.

          • BIG BLUE

            NO!!!!! You never mentioned anything about “workout warriors”. Gholston and Mamula are DE/OLBers. Wilson is a MLB. Why would you have someone come in to evaluate a MLB prospect to make sure he isn’t another Mamula or Gholston?(LOL) A MLB has to be much faster then an OLB. You evaluate a MLB prospect and compare his numbers to other MLB prospects and MLBers already performing in the league. Not to OLB/DEs.

  • J. Williams

    In all seriosness. think of Jerod Mayo. The Pats needed to reach a little. He was a second round prospect. The results have been pretty good.

    • Mickster

      That’s exactly who I thought of.

    • BIG BLUE

      The Pats needed to reach a little.(LOL) Mayo was cosidered a 2nd round draft pick. That was taken in the 1st round with the 10th pick overall by the Pats in 2008. Talk about a reach, that paid off. Yet taking Houston or Wilson at #19 in this year’s draft doesn’t seem logical. With Bulluck on the downside of his career and Goff still improving. Not to forget Boley had a better 2009 season in only 11 games, compared to this past 2010 season, where Boley played 16 games.nI forgot the idea is to draft a 6’3”/225lb. WR at #19. Because the receivers we already have don’t command “double teams”, “stretch the field” and make easy catches look hard and hard catches look routine the way Plaxico Burress did.(LOL) nRemember the Giants got 4,000 plus yds. from the QB position. Another 2,000 plus from the RB position. The offense needs to stop with the FUMBLITIS issues and involve the TEs more in the passing attack. It’s DEFENSE first when drafting this year.n

  • Trix

    Jon Ritchie thinks the Giants’ weakness is Eli Manning. There’s your two cents you need to know about Jon.