Move to defensive end suits Saints DE Wilson
 

METAIRIE — The Martez Wilson experiment, a.k.a. the conversion of New Orleans Saints’ second-year pro from linebacker to defensive end this offseason, is now in Week 8.

And while the principle decision-makers caution that the evaluation process is ongoing, Saints acting head coach Joe Vitt and first-year defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo both give am enthusiastic two thumbs up.

“So far, so good with regards to how you judge his transition,” Spagnuolo said after the team’s 90-minute walk-through on the first day of minicamp Tuesday afternoon. “Any time you do something like this, the first thing you got to have is the player has to embrace the change, and he’s been terrific. He has embraced it, he wants to do it and he’s passionate about it.

“So what more can you ask for?”

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Move to defensive end suits Saints DE Wilson | Saints | The Advocate

You know; with all these changes that Spagnoulo is trying out. That "5th" preseason game looks like the silver lining...

I still want to see Romeus on the other end.

Didn't know he played DE in HS.

Yeah, it's not like he's never done this before. Playing two years in high school at DE makes the switch much easier. I'm starting to get that giddy feeling I get when camp starts and I get news on our players.:D

Martez Wilson - Star in waiting

A fan favorie is going to get cut at DE unless there's an injury.

We typically carry 5 DE's. I'm not sure Wilson will be listed as a DE or as an OLB. But you're right, its crowded at DE...

1. Will Smith - Lock (but suspended for 4 games)
2. Cam Jordan - Lock (and can slide inside)
3. Martez Wilson - Lock (but may be a 6th or 7th LB)
4. Turk McBride - Probable
5. Junior Gallette - Probable
6. Greg Romeus - Questionable (probably the odd man out if Martez Wilson is moved to full time DE)

If Wilson moves in and out of DE/OLB then I can see Romeus making the team, especially given that Smith will be out the 1st 4 games.

The decision on whom to cut probably won't happen until week 5 or 6. A lot can happen in 1/3 of a season. I think all 6 make the team, with a roster exemption for Will Smth.

I see Martez "Balls Out" Wilson having a big year this year.

This is really intriguing and something I'll watch closely during the preseason games.

Yes but can Martez also make the transition to QB? Seeing how Drew is gonna sit out.

I know it seems like a shot in the dark with Romeus, but I'd rather cut will smith than Romeus at this point

They're not going to cut Smith, because if they were even entertaining those thoughts they wouldn't have worked out a re-structured contract with him, which in essence makes it now far more expensive to cut him than before.

I think they'll be able to field all 6 of these guys, but it could be with Wilson being listed as an OLB like was already suggested, and of course you have to factor in the possibility of one or more of them picking up an injury.

Agreed, great things coming this year from him.

I'm thinking Romeus makes the team and Wilson will play OLB/DE depending on the situation...