Typically a player doesn't get enough opportunity to develop and may no longer have a solid role on the team, prompting his release. Coaching, scheme changes and injuries are all reasons a quality player might hit waivers. In the case of of linebacker Martez Wilson, all of the above are true.
Wilson, a third-round pick in 2011, was claimed off waivers by the Oakland Raiders Wednesday from the New Orleans Saints. One of the most physically gifted linebackers in his draft class, Wilson matched Denver Broncos pass-rusher Von Miller and Kansas City Chiefs pass-rusher Justin Houston in many of the combine drills.
With an athlete of Wilson's caliber, there is reason to believe he can be an impact player in the NFL in the right scheme and with the right coaching. Wilson fits Oakland's defensive scheme perfectly and could be a diamond in the rough who develops into an impact player.
Unfortunately, Wilson hasn't improved much in the last two years. Wilson was on his third defensive coordinator and defensive scheme in New Orleans, dealt with multiple injuries and was no longer a fit for defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's defense.
With the Raiders, Wilson will play "SAM" linebacker (strong-side linebacker), a position that best suits his physical talent. Wilson may remind Raiders fans a bit of former Raiders SAM linebacker Kamerion Wimbley because of his build and athleticism.
The Prototype
In New Orleans, Wilson was drafted into defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' scheme to play SAM linebacker. Raiders head coach Dennis Allen runs a similar defense to Williams, having coached under hi...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
