LINEBACKERS
7. Scooby Wright – LB, Arizona Wildcats
NFLMocks draft analyst Eric Robinson wrote the following in his scouting report:
"“When viewing Wright’s tape, two linebackers instantly manifest: former 49ers LB Chris Borland and Falcons LB Brooks Reed. Wright has similar size and skill set to Borland and will probably be used as a SLB such as Reed who is also a former Arizona Wildcat. The numbers Wright has posted through his junior season has enhanced his actual ability. Although Wright is a great leader and will probably be a linebackers coach one day, it’s very difficult to envision Wright as a first or even second round pick. Whoever drafts Wright will have to be patient as he has a way to go to before he is ready for the professional level.”"
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I had Wright as one of the top 10 inside linebackers the Giants should target. Fox Sports thought the Giants should keep a close eye on Wright.
WalterFootball.com ranked Scooby as the #3 inside linebacker in the draft, adding:
“…good run defender who can make plays as a pass-rusher… good instincts with a combination of pass rush and run defense… short on size and speed for the next level.”
From NFL.com: “…his instincts, production and overall competitive fire make him one of the safer second day bets in this draft.”
Scouts compare him to former Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas, who was a 7-time Pro Bowler & 5-time First-Team All-Pro. Would anyone NOT sign up for that?
8. Joshua Perry – LB, Ohio State Buckeyes
Rodney Stokes, Jr. of NFLMocks wrote the following in his scouting report:
"“Joshua Perry has every tool in his back pocket to be a three down NFL linebacker but he’s going to have to fight for it in the NFL. Hopefully the challenge of playing at the highest level can bring it out of him. I like his game when his drive is up for the challenge but that needs to have more consistency.”"
With the First Pick
Perry also made my list of top ILB prospects the G-Men should pursue.
WalterFootball.com ranked Perry as the 17th best OUTSIDE linebacker among prospects in this year’s draft, noting:
“He is a tough run defender who could be a two-down contributor in the NFL.”
From NFL.com: “Noted leader on the field and in the locker room. Winner who is willing to do the dirty work. Big and physical and has the strength and grit to handle himself at point of attack. Productive tackler with good finishing rate. Wrap up tackler.” Not a chase down ‘baker, stiff, plays too tall, gets caught up in the block, doesn’t punch and shuck, and loses sight of the ball.
Scouts project Perry’s “best fit may be as a physical, 3-4 inside linebacker who has to leave the field on passing downs.”
9. Jared Norris – LB, Utah Utes
Shawn Spencer of NFLMocks wrote:
"“Good mental processing skills with the instincts and football intelligence to identify plays quickly and get into position to make a play… Solid play speed as he takes aggressive angles to the ball and has the lateral quickness to make plays down the line of scrimmage… Displays solid closing speed before wrapping up and bringing down the ball carrier… Very good tackler who makes sure to finish plays once he gets his hands on the ball carrier.”"
I felt if the Giants could land the next prospect on this rundown, they should look into Norris, though he’s a better fit in a 3-4 scheme.
WalterFootball.com ranked him 15th among inside linebackers.
From NFL.com: “…he showed stoutness between the tackles and a burst to the ball…team leader… lateral quickness…reactive… instinctive…Very average chase speed. Straight line attacker who struggles to gather and make sudden change of direction in space as a tackler… doesn’t have the technique or speed to be a high-end playmaker.
10. Blake Martinez – LB, Blake Martinez
- Associated Press All-America third team (2015)
- USA Today All-America second team (2015)
- Phil Steele All-America second team (2015)
- All-Pac-12 first team (2015)
- Associated Press All-Pac-12 first team (2015)
- Phil Steele All-Pac-12 first team (2015)
- Butkus Award semifinalist (2015)
- Rotary Lombardi Award watch list (2015)
- Nagurski Trophy watch list (2015)
- Bednarik Award watch list (2015)
- All-Pac 12 Honorable Mention (2014)
- Phil Steele All-Pac-12 third team (2014)
George Stockburger of NFLMocks had this to say about Blake:
"“Blake Martinez is a shell of an NFL player who leaves a lot on the table. A team that will draft him expects to sit him for the start of his career and let a veteran player or coach take him under their wing. Look for him to fall somewhere in the middle of day three this weekend.”"
Martinez is ranked 7th at his position by NFLDraftScout.com.
From WalterFootball.com:
"“Martinez had an excellent senior year, making a lot of critical tackles for Stanford. He was the Cardinal’s most steady defender. Martinez is a good tackler with quality instincts.”"
I thought Martinez was the one of the top ILB the Giants should target, and one of 5 players in the draft Big Blue MUST target. Of course, that was before the G-Men re-signed Jasper Brinkley and brought in Kelvin Sheppard and Keenan Robinson.
Next: RUNNING BACKS