Middle Linebacker
Illinois
6-4 250
Draft board overall prospect rank: #26
Draft board overall middle linebacker rank: #2
Overall rating: 83 (late 1st)
40 time: 4.44
3/28/11: Martez Wilson has been much hyped since he was the #5 overall high school player in 2007, committing to Illinois as an end and moving to linebacker. He definitely has the upside and the natural athleticism, but doesn’t always live up to it. He showed a lot of upside as a backup as a freshman, before disappointing as a starter as a sophomore, and then being hurt as a junior, before finally putting at all together this year as a redshirt junior.
He had 111 tackles, 4 sacks, and a pick as primarily a middle linebacker this year, though he can play outside some and he showed that natural athleticism big time with a 4.44 40 at 6-4 250. He is a former end, so he is an above average pass rusher for his position. He can’t play rush linebacker or another, but he is above average as a blitzer so that’s just like a cherry on top to his game.
His major concerns are of course his durability and also his instincts and his work ethic. He has really never lived up to his upside, so it’s important not to fall in love with his athleticism and make him a true first rounder. I have a late first round grade on him, remember middle linebackers rarely get picked early, and I think that’s going to be where he goes. His absolute ceiling in terms of being drafted is 26th to Baltimore, but he’ll likely go in the early 2nd round.
NFL Comparison: Karlos Dansby
Football Fan Spot 