Wilson 'Excited' to be part of the Saints
 

New Orleans Saints LB Martez Wilson
Conference Call With New Orleans Media
Friday, April 29, 2011


Q: You chatted with the Saints during the Combine, and I’m pretty sure you knew they were looking for a linebacker. How familiar are you with the Saints and just looking forward to getting down here?

A: I’m looking forward to it. I can’t wait. This is a blessing to be picked. It’s fate. From this day forward, I’m just going to continue to work, work and work. I’m going to work hard and show that I deserve to be picked.

Q: You sustained a neck injury in 2009 and were able to bounce back in 2010. How are you health wise and how is that maybe an issue, maybe you feel like with other teams and you being picked in the third round?

A: It’s a possibility, yes, I say that could be the issue but I don’t feel any symptoms at all. I’m healthy. The doctors said I could continue to play football. I see some other players in the league to this day that have had the same surgery. If I keep taking care of myself health-wise, make sure my neck is fine, the strength in my neck continues to where it’s at, then I’ll be all right. I know I will.

Q: In college you played inside linebacker and obviously Jonathan Vilma is here. Are you looking to come to the Saints and compete for maybe one of those outside linebacker spots?

A: Oh yeah. I’m coming to compete. I’m coming to play. I’m a competitor. That’s what I do. That’s why I love this sport.

Q: What position do you think they will put you at here?

A: Probably strong-side linebacker; maybe over the tight end, starting off there. Learn that position and start off there. The more I learn, the more they’ll put on the plate for me.

Full interview below.
Wilson 'Excited' to be part of the Saints

NFL position: ILB
Height: 6-3 3/4
Weight: 250
40 time: 4.49
Current projection: Third-round pick
NFL comparison: Channing Crowder, Miami Dolphins

Strengths: Has excellent size and arm length for the position at the NFL level. Is an explosive, straight-line athlete with excellent closing burst and acceleration on a straight-ahead track. Had the fastest 40 time among linebackers at the Combine. Has good overall instincts and awareness with outstanding production as a run defender and part-time pass rusher. Has strong hands, upper-body strength and big-hit ability as a tackler. Shows the ability to rush from inside or the edge.

Weaknesses: Does not consistently wrap up and ends up on the ground too often. Is a marginal tackler on the move in space. Has average power on contact, dropping to his knees at times. Is a liability in man-to-man coverage due to his poor transition skills. Has durability issues.

Bottom line: Wilson started two years at Illinois but missed the 2009 season because of a neck injury. As a rookie, look for him to compete for a starting spot and be a core special teams member. Wilson will fit best in a 3-4 defense, where he could also play on the outside.



Read more: NFL scouting report: Illinois ILB Martez Wilson - NFL - Sporting News

iography: "Two-year starter awarded all-Conference honors as a junior after leading Illinois in tackles, posting 112/11.5/4 with one interception and four pass break-ups. Played one game in 2009 before being forced to the sidelines with a herniated disc in his neck. Sophomore totals of 2008 included 73/5.5/3."

Positives: "Tall, athletic defender with potential at a variety of linebacker positions. Fluid, smooth moving about the field, and easily makes plays in space. Forceful on the blitz, quickly fills gaps in run defense, and wraps up tackling. Breaks down well, rarely off his feet, and easily plays off blocks. Effectively uses his hands, shows a burst of speed, and can pursue the action sideline to sideline. Plays with terrific balance and body control."

Negatives: Does not show a killer instinct and is more of a finesse defender. Does not always play with a physical nature. Has average instincts and does not consistently take proper angles to the action. Lacks a smooth and quick backpedal in coverage.

Analysis: Wilson passes the eyeball test and often plays to it on the field. He offers impressive measurables and a lot of upside but must become more physical and play to his level of ability on a consistent basis if he's to be a productive starter in the NFL.

Projection: 2nd

Read more: Martez Wilson - 2011 Draft Tracker - SI.com

I'm not sure how to take these evaluations. One says that he stays on his feet and the other says he's on the ground a lot. One says he is good in space and the other says he's not. One says he's a hard hitter.....yada yada yada......Training camp will be the place to find out.

You'll even find some scouting reports contradicting itself. A scouting report is what it is... one man's opinion.