2016 NFL Draft: 5 Players The New York Giants Must Target

5. Blake Martinez, LB (Stanford Cardinal)

I didn’t include Martinez in my list of the top 40 draft prospects, instead opting to include Kris Frost and Luke Rhodes. But, with Jon Beason and Jasper Brinkley probably gone, the middle linebacker position has become a top priority. Many projected the Giants to go with a linebacker in the 6th, but Martinez wouldn’t be available then. Big Blue should make a move for a smart, athletic “Mike” in the 5th or earlier. Blake’s 6 feet 2 inches, 239 pounds and runs a 4.79 40 yard dash. He’s ranked 7th at his position by NFLDraftScout.com.

From WalterFootball.com:

"“1/16/16: Martinez had an excellent senior year, making a lot of critical tackles for Stanford. He was the Cardinal’s most steady defender. In 2015, Martinez totaled 141 tackles with 6.5 for a loss, 1.5 sacks, six passes broken up and one interception. He had 101 tackles as a junior. Martinez is a good tackler with quality instincts. He accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl.”"

As a senior:

• Associated Press All-America third team
• USA Today All-America second team
• Phil Steele All-America second team
• All-Pac-12 first team
• Associated Press All-Pac-12 first team
• Phil Steele All-Pac-12 first team
• Butkus Award semifinalist

NFLMocks.com thinks the Arizona Cardinals will grab Martinez in the 6th round, so if the G-Men are serious about upgrading at that position, the 5th is the time to do it.
ALTERNATE PICKS: Jared Norris (Utah Utes), Luke Rhodes (William & Mary), Kris Frost (Auburn Tigers), Tyler Matakevich (Temple Owls), Cassanova McKinzy (Auburn Tigers), Josh Forrest (Kentucky Wildcatss)

Next: #4 TARGET: LIKE WHITE ON RICE