STRENGTHS: Looks the part of an NFL linebacker with broad shoulders and an athletic, well-distributed frame. Highly aggressive run defender who attacks the line of scrimmage, showing no hesitation to take on blockers at the point of attack. Balanced, coordinated athlete who shows creativity in slipping under or spinning through would-be blocks.
Generally reliable open-field tackler, lassoing ballcarriers with his long arms and strong hands. Possesses the agility and awareness to handle coverage responsibilities, showing light feet and fluidity when changing directions. Locates the ball quickly and accelerates smoothly.

WEAKNESSES: Isn't a classic thumper 3-4 inside linebacker who will consistently take on and shed blockers in the hole. A bit taller than ideal for the inside and has a tendency to get caught up in the trash. Too often catches ballcarriers and falls backward rather than driving through his target.

Doesn't appear to possess the straight-line speed to beat backs to the edge or to handle deep seam responsibilities against NFL tight ends. Limited pass rusher, lacking the agility to elude blockers or the explosive power to bull rush through them.

IN OUR VIEW: By leading the Pac-12 with 141 total tackles in 2015, Martinez will certainly get a long look from NFL scouts, who could see his length and athleticism as a better fit outside. Martinez may need to impress in workouts to help convince scouts that his gaudy production wasn't inflated due to Stanford's scheme.

--Rob Rang (1/18/16)

First pick I do not like at all.

Two words:
Too slow.

I doubt he'll challenge Jake Ryan at any point.
Jake Ryan last year is about this guy's upside max.

Great attitude.
Great college game.
Will be sound against the run.
Smart.
All those are good.

But in the end, the team need is for COVERAGE SPEED sideline to sideline.
He's not going to bring that any more than anyone already on the roster will.

He's a good tackler.
He won't miss many.

He'll just be making too many of then 10 yards down the field.

Ted's still got an B average overall in the InstaGrade department.
But this pick is a D.

You talking about speed with pads on?
His 40 time seemed good for a 240 lb ILB and they say his instincts are high.

Wade;351018First pick I do not like at all.

Two words:
Too slow.

I doubt he'll challenge Jake Ryan at any point.
Jake Ryan last year is about this guy's upside max.

Great attitude.
Great college game.
Will be sound against the run.
Smart.
All those are good.

But in the end, the team need is for COVERAGE SPEED sideline to sideline.
He's not going to bring that any more than anyone already on the roster will.

He's a good tackler.
He won't miss many.

He'll just be making too many of then 10 yards down the field.

Ted's still got an B average overall in the InstaGrade department.
But this pick is a D.

I have a really good feeling about him.


I know we're pathetically desperate for someone who can cover, but I'm looking at his potential for getting to the QB.


Then again, I'm one of the guys who wanted Ted to get Ricky Elmore.
[cool]

Wade;351018First pick I do not like at all.

Two words:
Too slow.

I doubt he'll challenge Jake Ryan at any point.
Jake Ryan last year is about this guy's upside max.

Great attitude.
Great college game.
Will be sound against the run.
Smart.
All those are good.

But in the end, the team need is for COVERAGE SPEED sideline to sideline.
He's not going to bring that any more than anyone already on the roster will.

He's a good tackler.
He won't miss many.

He'll just be making too many of then 10 yards down the field.

Ted's still got an B average overall in the InstaGrade department.
But this pick is a D.

The guy with the highest rated coverage grade can't cover.
What does that say about the rest of the guys cover skills?

He instantly creates competition at the weakest part of our defense IMO.
His pass coverage skills immediately makes me happy.
The fact he is a floater is sweet as now we can have both him and CMIII moving back and forth messing with the head of the opponent's OC.

Wade;351018First pick I do not like at all.

Two words:
Too slow.
But this pick is a D.

PACKERS' BEST PICK: BLAKE MARTINEZ
The productive Stanford inside linebacker, Green Bay's first of two fourth-round picks, will help allow the Packers to move Clay Matthews back to outside linebacker, where he's most effective. Todd McShay (Insider)

Interesting dichotomy

There are always interesting stories that come out of the draft.
This is one of the best.

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Thanks to his dad, Stanford linebacker Blake Martinez was prepared to be drafted by the Green Bay Packers ... and the other 31 teams.

That’s how he was able to don a Packers shirt and hat after general manager Ted Thompson picked him in the fourth round on Saturday.


It turned out, thanks to Marc Martinez, his son would be ready for whichever team picked him.

“My dad actually bought every hat he could possibly find from all 32 teams just in case -- and shirts,” Martinez said on a conference call with reporters at Lambeau Field shortly after he was picked. “So he was ready.”

If Marc would have listened to his wife, Carissa, he could have saved some money.

“My mom, the funny part of it was, she was always telling me throughout the process, she was like, ‘I believe you’re going to end up at the Packers,’” Martinez said. “And obviously it was just a lucky guess type of thing, but it’s just funny. My mom said right after, ‘Moms are always right.’ I’ll take it.”

No word on what the Marc Martinez plans to do with the other 31 shirts and hats.

Consistent measurables in the combine with Reggie Ragland. It's kind of baffling the amount of people that call Martinez too slow and in the same breath wanted the Packers to draft Ragland, who plays a slower game.

This was actually my favorite pick of the draft. Wanted the Packers to take him in the 4-5th round. Smart player that makes very little mental mistakes. Hoping he has some sort of immediate impact on the defense.

Yerko;351112Consistent measurables in the combine with Reggie Ragland. It's kind of baffling the amount of people that call Martinez too slow and in the same breath wanted the Packers to draft Ragland, who plays a slower game.

This was actually my favorite pick of the draft. Wanted the Packers to take him in the 4-5th round. Smart player that makes very little mental mistakes. Hoping he has some sort of immediate impact on the defense.

Actually,
I don't recall ever advocating drafting Ragland unless a whole list of players with 2nd/3rd round value were all gone.

And the reason I dropped him into the third or early fourth on my board was the same reason I dropped Martinez to the 6th.
The lack of speed.