People are often fooled into thinking that Blake Martinez is a good NFL linebacker by his gaudy tackle numbers. In 2017, Martinez (and Joe Schobert and Preston Brown) led all NFL players in tackles with 144. Last year, he was second in the NFL in tackles with 155. Sure, these numbers seem great, but Martinez isn’t all that great of a tackler. According to Pro Football Reference, Martinez missed 10.4% of his tackle attempts last year. When you compare this to some elite NFL linebackers, you see just how bad this is. Cory Littleton missed just 3.6%, Bobby Wagner 5.9%, Luke Kuechly 6.5%, Jaylon Smith 7.8%, and Jordan Hicks missed 10.7%. Those who maintain that Martinez is a good player often say he’s a great tackler, but, as you can see, this is simply not true. 

Another myth told by Martinez truthers is that he is a good run stopper. Pro Football Focus (PFF) gives Martinez a 47.0 run defense grade, which is downright awful. This grade didn’t even rank among the top 50 qualified linebackers (the lowest grade on the list was 63.3) and was far from it. Martinez often seems lost on run plays, struggling to fill the correct gaps and lacking the athleticism to get to runningbacks before they reach the second level. 

Martinez also struggles in pass coverage. PFF gives him a 64.2 coverage grade, which ranks 61st among qualified linebackers. Opposing defenses targeted him on purpose, knowing that they would be able to march down the field if they threw his way. He was targeted 74 times in coverage last year (6th most among LBs). On these 74 targets, Martinez allowed a whopping 62 completions, which meant opposing QBs were able to complete 83.8% of their passes when targeting him. He allowed 570 yards in coverage (339 after the catch), which amounted to 15.3% of the total passing yards allowed by the Packers last season. 

Martinez is most skilled when used as a pass rusher in a blitz. According to data from Pro Football Reference, he had a pressure rate of 14.3% when rushing the passer last year. For comparison, T.J. Watt had a pressure rate of 11.6%, and Aaron Donald had a pressure rate of 9.6%. Obviously Martinez rushes the passer much less, and the majority of the time he does is on designed blitzes, but this shows his strength as a rusher nonetheless. Additionally, PFF gives him a pass-rush grade of 78.4, which is pretty good, especially for a linebacker. This grade ranks 15th among all linebackers, which further shows that pass rushing is one of his strengths.  

Blake Martinez is not a horrible player, but he certainly isn’t a star. His overall PFF grade of 58.9 ranks 53rd among qualified linebackers, meaning that he would be a solid backup on a contending team. He is said to be a great locker room presence and he has 4 years of experience starting as well as playoff experience, which are all great traits for a backup on a contending team. This most certainly does not justify a 3 year, $30,000,000 contract, especially from a bottom 5 team in the NFL that has no talent on the roster at linebacker and could’ve added someone like Cory Littleton for just a little bit more per year or Nick Kwiatowski for considerably less. But, since the Giants did sign Martinez, they would be better off benching him and seeing what some of the young guys on the roster can do. The salary cap is expected to shrink because of Covid-19 and Martinez could be a casualty after this season. 

This is not meant to bash Blake Martinez. By all accounts, he is a great person and was obviously good enough to start in the NFL for four years. This is actually meant to target Dave Gettleman and anyone else working for the Giants that thought it would be a good idea to sign Martinez. This is one of many terrible moves made by the Gettleman regime and hopefully, if the team struggles again, he is no longer with the team after the 2020 season.

Stats Via:

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MartBl01.htm#all_detailed_defense

https://www.espn.com/nfl/stats/_/season/2019/seasontype/2

https://www.espn.com/nfl/stats/team/_/view/defense/table/passing/sort/netPassingYards/dir/desc

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2019/defense_advanced.htm

As a reminder, all trades made on draft night within the top ten selections will still be included. The 2012 was loaded with quality quarterbacks, while also fielding some of today’s NFL defensive superstars.

This was extremely difficult, as the amount of defensive talent in this draft is incomparable to any other, so here are a few honorable mentions to this draft list just to show you how deep this draft went: Fletcher Cox, Josh Norman, Dont’a Hightower, Melvin Ingram, Whitney Mercilus, and Janoris Jenkins.

That is right, all those top-tier defensive players did not make the top ten. That just shows how stacked this class was.

The 2012 NFL Re-Draft is open, and the Colts are on the clock.

1: Indianapolis Colts: Russell Wilson, QB

Easily the top quarterback in this class. I like the original pick with Andrew Luck, but Luck’s retirement pushes Wilson to the top slot. Unlike in Seattle, Wilson will be able to have a strong run game, and have protection, thus making him more dominant than ever.

2: Washington Redskins: Luke Keuchly, LB

While they originally went with RGIII, I believe they should have gone elsewhere. While Luke Keuchly might have retired this offseason, he is still the best defensive player in this class. The Redskins defense has been lacking for many years now, but this all changes when they get Keuchly.

3: Cleveland Browns: Bobby Wagner, LB

Bobby Wagner might have the closest skillset to Keuchly not just in this class, but in the NFL as a whole. Wagner is a tackle machine, and this pick would be a complete reversal in impact on the team compared to Trent Richardson. Wagner would become a fan-favorite in Cleveland, and potentially even lead them to success.

4: Minnesota Vikings: David Decastro, OG

The Vikings went offensive line in the original draft, so I decided to stick with the same position despite there being better talent still left on the board. DeCastro is a great lineman who was rock-solid guarding Big Ben. Kirk Cousins will be lucky to have a strong line revolving around this guy.

5: Jacksonville Jaguars: T.Y. Hilton, WR

They went with J. Blackmon with the original pick. I like keeping the picks in the same position, so the Jaguars in this redraft will select the top wide receiver from this class T.Y. Hilton. If only he had a good quarterback to throw to him.

6: Dallas Cowboys: Stephon Gilmore, CB

Gilmore is easily the top cornerback in this class, and is potentially the best cornerback in the league. Gilmore solidifies the Cowboys’ secondary, which would be a better pick than Morris Claiborne.

7: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Harrison Smith, SS

The hard hitting safety is just what the Buccaneers need. Smith has dominated the competition, and his power is no match to anyone else. Smith could have been the next Ronde Barber, but instead, he is dominating on the Vikings.

8: Miami Dolphins: Chandler Jones, DE

The Dolphins get a great pass rusher in Chandler Jones. In Arizona, he and Patrick Peterson were able to lead a very solid defensive unit. The Dolphins have many holes, but they cover a big one with Jones.

9: Carolina Panthers: Lavonte David, LB

With Keuchley off the board in this redraft, the Panthers need to take the next best available linebacker. David may not be Luke Keuchly, but David’s versatility and IQ make him worthy of being selected at the ninth slot.

10: Buffalo Bills: Casey Heyward, CB

The Bills originally went with Gilmore here, so they now need to find a different cornerback to select. While Josh Norman and Janoris Jenkins are great players, I believe that Casey Heyward would fit in well in Buffalo.

Round 1 Pick 2, Redskins: DE, Chase Young, Ohio State

Round 1 Pick 3, Lions: CB, Jeff Okudah, Ohio State

Round 1 Pick 4, Giants: LB, Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

Round 1 Pick 5, Dolphins: QB, Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

Round 1 Pick 6, Chargers: QB, Justin Herbert, Oregon

Round 1 Pick 7, Panthers: DT, Derick Brown, Auburn

Round 1 Pick 8, Cardinals: OL, Tristan Wirfs, Iowa

Round 1 Pick 9, Jaguars: CB, C.J Henderson, Florida

Round 1 Pick 10, Browns: OL, Andrew Thomas, Georgia

Round 1 Pick 11, Jets: WR, CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma

Round 1 Pick 12, Raiders: WR, Jerry Jeudy, Alabama

Round 1 Pick 13, 49ers: WR, Henry Ruggs III, Alabama

Round 1 Pick 14, Buccaneers: OL, Jedrick Willis, Alabama

Round 1 Pick 15 Broncos: DT, Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina

Round 1 Pick 16, Falcons: OL, Mekhi Becton, Louisville

Round 1 Pick 17, Cowboys: LB, K’lavon Chaisson, Louisiana

Round 1 Pick 18, Dolphins: Safety, Xavier McKinney, Alabama

Round 1 Pick 19, Raiders: LB, Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma

Round 1 Pick 20, Jaguars: Safety, Grant Delpit, Louisiana

Round 1 Pick 21, Eagles: WR, Justin Jefferson, Louisiana

Round 1 Pick 22, Vikings: WR, Denzel Mims, Baylor

Round 1 Pick 23, Patriots: DE, AJ Epenesa, Iowa

Round 1 Pick 24, Saints: QB, Jordan Love, Utah

Round 1 Pick 25, Vikings: CB, Kristian Fulton, Louisiana

Round 1 Pick 26, Dolphins: OL, Austin Jackson, Southern California

Round 1 Pick 27, Seahawks: LB, Zach Baun, Wisconsin

Round 1 Pick 28, Ravens: LB, Patrick Queen, Louisiana

Round 1 Pick 29, Titans: CB, Jeff Gladney, TCU

Round 1 Pick 30, Packers: WR, Tee Higgins, Clemson

Round 1 Pick 31, 49ers: OL, Cesar Ruiz, Michigan

Round 1 Pick 32, Chiefs: CB, Trevon Diggs, Alabama

The 2017 NFL Draft was loaded with superstars ranging in all positions. This draft class included offensive superstars such as Christian Mcafferey, George Kittle, and Chris Godwin; but, also includes defensive pro-bowlers in Jamal Adams, Myles Garrett, and Tre’Davious White.

This re-draft will include all draft day trades. Plus, not all selections were based on skill: it depends on replicability at the position. For example, if this re-draft was purely based on skill, then close to half of the top ten picks would have been a runningback.

Now that the perameters have been set, let us re-draft:

1: Cleveland Browns: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech

After being benched behind Alex Smith in his rookie season, Patrick Mahomes has played two star seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs. In this timespan, Mahomes has won the NFL’s MVP award, and most recently a Super Bowl victory, to name a few of Mahomes’ many achievements. The Chiefs made what will eventually be considered as the best move in their franchise’s history by trading to the 10th pick for Mahomes, nabbing the best player in the NFL. However, in this re-draft, the Browns decide to pick Mahomes instead of star defensive end Myles Garrett.

2: Chicago Bears: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M

While Garrett’s season was cut short due to his incident involving Mason Rudolph in a regular season game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, let that not undercut Garrett’s talent. Garrett was more than well-deserving of the first-overall pick, but having the generational talent in Mahomes forces Garrett to move down a spot. The only reason I do not have Deshaun Watson landing here is because I think the Bears stick with Mike Glennon after signing him to a ridiculously large deal that offseason.

3: San Fransisco 49ers: George Kittle, TE, Iowa

While we all like to think of the Niners defense as formidable, it was not thanks to the likes of Soloman Thomas. But, that does not mean the Niners did this draft wrong, as they selected George Kittle in the fifth round. In this redraft, the Niners decide to select Kittle with their first round pick, and wait until the later rounds before even considering Thomas. Kittle has been an unstoppable force ever since being drafted into the league. At this point in time, the Niners have many holes, including quarterback, but they wait to get a quarterback until trading for Jimmy Garropolo. Kittle provides their team a dynamic blocker as well as a receiving threat that will scare defenses for weeks to come.

4: Jacksonville Jaguars: Christian Mccaffrey, HB, Stanford

The Jaguars initially selected Leanard Fournette at this spot. While I think this was a great fit, I believe that the Jaguars could have gone with a better running back. With uncertainty with Blake Bortles at quarterback, Mccaffrey will be playing in a nearly identical situation to the one he is currently in with the Panthers. Overall, CMC is a much better fit with this squad then Fournette is.

5: Tennessee Titans: T.J. Watt, EDGE, Wisconsin

Watt has improved in every season he has played, and has become a Defensive Player of the Year candidate with the Steelers. The Titans went with Corey Davis with this pick, which proved to be bust-worthy, especially now that they have a run-dominated offense with Derrick Henry. The Titans in this redraft go with defense, deciding between Jamal Adams and Watt. They eventually go with Watt, showing that they are confident in their safety group that is lead by Kevin Byard.

6: New York Jets: Jamal Adams, S, LSU

It is not often that in a redraft, a team goes with the same guy they went with in the actual draft. Even though there is uncertainty in his future with the Jets this offseason, the smart move is to keep their pick with Adams going at 6.

7: Los Angeles Chargers: Chris Godwin, WR, Penn State

While this may seem as a surprise to many, I think that the Chargers picking Godwin would be perfect. They initially went with Mike Williams, who they had hoped would provide Philip Rivers with a solid WR2 option. This would have spread the field more, allowing their star WR Keenan Allen and TE Hunter Henry to have more open space, creating more big plays. Williams has been a good pick, posting solid numbers when healthy. But, in comparison to Godwin’s breakout season, Williams stands no match. Chargers stick with a wideout here.

8: Carolina Panthers: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama

Ever since the departure of Josh Norman and the rest of the core 15-1 Panther squad, the defense has been lacking in overall talent in exception to newly retired LB Luke Kuechly. This class features many great cornerbacks, including Tre’Davious White, and Marshon Lattimore. But, I am going with Humphrey. Since 2017, Humphrey has been hawking every pass thrown to him down, breaking up 47 passes, ranking fourth since he was drafted into the league.

9: Cincinnati Bengals: Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU

Like I mentioned in the previous selection, this class is loaded with studs at cornerback. The Bengals in the actual draft went with John Ross, going for a speedy wideout to be opposite to AJ Green. Ross has been plagued with injuries, making him not worthy of this selection. The Bengals secondary has been abysmal at best, so they take Pro-Bowl cornerback White at this pick. However, this Bengals team is still far from where they have to be, and even with the selection of White, I would still see the Bengals winding up with the first pick in tomorrow’s draft.

10: Kansas City Chiefs: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

Those that are reading this, I know you are confused. The Chiefs trading to this pick for the fundamental purpose of drafting Patrick Mahomes. That is true. But, they still believe that they have their guy in Watson. While Watson might not be at the same level as Mahomes, Watson would play perfect to this speedy team. Andy Reid would style a playbook that would revolve lots of play-action, screens to both running backs and wide receivers, and QB runs, similar to the current Chiefs playbook. In my mind, this would be a no-brainer trade the Chiefs make to pick Watson.

In 11 days, we will hear commissioner Roger Goodell utter (virtually, that is) these long-awaited words. What we don’t know is whose name will come after. Most Giants fans want Clemson Linebacker Isaiah Simmons. Simmons is the total package; he can cover Tight Ends and Runningbacks with ease (3 INT last year), rush the passer (7 Sacks last year), and is a solid tackler (104 total tackles last year). Sure, he would be the defensive playmaker the Giants desperately need, but Giants fans need to be prepared for other scenarios. The Giants have been connected to OT Tristan Wirfs and have most recently been rumored to take an offensive lineman at 4. Here, I am going to outline four draft-day scenarios, three of which do not include Isaiah Simmons.

Scenario 1, Giants draft LB/S Isaiah Simmons:

This is the scenario most Giants fans want. As I said before, he can do everything on defense and would immediately be an impact player. New Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham prizes versatility in his scheme and with Simmons and the “Swiss-Army Knife” Jabrill Peppers, Graham would have a lot to work with.

Scenario 2, Trade with Las Vegas Raiders: 

Giants receive Picks 12, 19, 80, 81, 91

Raiders receive Picks 4 and 99

In my opinion, this is the best-case scenario for the Giants. Although they would be passing on Simmons, they would be able to land one of the top OTs at 12 (Tristan Wirfs, Jedrick Wills, Andrew Thomas, or Mekhi Becton) and a defensive playmaker at 19 (Kenneth Murray, Patrick Queen, K’Lavon Chaisson, Yetur Gross-Matos, or AJ Epenesa). They would also gain two 3rd round picks, bringing their total to three, and could either trade back up into the 1st or 2nd round or stay put and add three solid players.

Scenario 3, Giants stay at 4, but Isaiah Simmons is taken at 3 by Detroit:

This would be the worst possible scenario. The Giants lose out on extra draft picks gained from trading back and Isaiah Simmons. The Giants then select OT Tristan Wirfs, who is rumored to be the highest Offensive Lineman on their board. Wirfs is a freak athlete who would start at RT for years to come. Wirfs would bring some much-needed protection for Daniel Jones and Saquon, but would still leave the defense with quite a few holes.

Scenario 4, Giants stay at 4 and select DT Derrick Brown:

Remember when I said the previous scenario would be the worst? Scratch that, this would be way worse. In this scenario, Gettleman drafts the man who is speculated to be his personal favorite player in this draft class. Don’t get me wrong, Brown is a beast, but the last thing the Giants need is another DT. I truly hope that this isn’t being considered by the Giants, but knowing Dave Gettleman and his love for defensive linemen, it just might be what the Giants do come April 23rd.