Let's talk about a replacement for Sherrod...

[Jackofalltrades]

He was a S his rookie season but moreso in name. He was brought to counter Vick as a "joker." He was made to play LB in the NFL. I want Martin to stay at FS, I'm tired of converting guys. He's just such a punishing hitter, I want someone that DB's want to avoid. I want Julio Jones wondering where he's about to be destroyed from while the pass is in the air. I want a guy that could break Jimmy Graham in two.

[SOJA]

do not want honey badger his coverage skills are not that great

[JawnyBlaze]

Markelle Martin. Do want.

[Clicheking]

Robert Lester is going back to school also.

My choice would be Martin. I've liked what I saw every chance I got to see him play. He's smart, rarely out of position, a great tackler, playmaker and leader.

[section543]

Martin looks like best S for what we need. I don't see anyone who is big back there. I'd like to see someone who can make the one on one tackle and deliver a big hit. I guess Martin is the best of those. I'd consider him in the second.

[unicar15]

How about instead of replacing good, young players that we already have under contract...we add good young players that could help. Sherrod Martin and Godfrey aren't nearly as bad as their play indicated this year. If you get an impact pass rusher and beef up the line to stop the run as well then you can actually let Godfrey and Martin cover receivers instead of pushing up to fill the gaping holes in our line/linebacking corp. I think that people are judging these two based on two plays during the season...the horrible misread that Martin made in the Saints game and the way that Godfrey got torched by Jimmy Graham.

Get an impact LB or DE and you improve two areas with one player.

[rayzor]

How about instead of replacing good, young players that we already have under contract...we add good young players that could help. Sherrod Martin and Godfrey aren't nearly as bad as their play indicated this year. If you get an impact pass rusher and beef up the line to stop the run as well then you can actually let Godfrey and Martin cover receivers instead of pushing up to fill the gaping holes in our line/linebacking corp. I think that people are judging these two based on two plays during the season...the horrible misread that Martin made in the Saints game and the way that Godfrey got torched by Jimmy Graham.

Get an impact LB or DE and you improve two areas with one player.

agreed. get LBs healthy and focus on bolstering the Dline (DT and DE) and see if improved pressure on the QB and better taking care of the middle of the field can help out the secondary.

[jtnc]

How about instead of replacing good, young players that we already have under contract...we add good young players that could help. Sherrod Martin and Godfrey aren't nearly as bad as their play indicated this year. If you get an impact pass rusher and beef up the line to stop the run as well then you can actually let Godfrey and Martin cover receivers instead of pushing up to fill the gaping holes in our line/linebacking corp. I think that people are judging these two based on two plays during the season...the horrible misread that Martin made in the Saints game and the way that Godfrey got torched by Jimmy Graham.

Get an impact LB or DE and you improve two areas with one player.

So lack of dline is why he tackles like a bitch?

[Jackofalltrades]

Front four has nothing to do with sucking in cvg, taking bad angles and not being able to tackle. Most players that are replaces are under contract.

[jtnc]

And no one said anything about Godfrey, I have no problem with him......it's Martin who's always fuging up an assignment, an tackling like a bitch.

[kdrh5]

Honey badger is surrounded by a ton of talent and still sucks covering college receivers, what do you think will happen when he meets pro guys? And we already have a tough little guy like him in our secondary, and hes totally overmatched in coverage and in need if replacing.

I agree defensive line is a priority but if we do draft a safety early this year, Martin is the guy.

[Lout]

Replace one Martin with another Martin? The irony. If Barron were there in the 2nd, that would be a no brainer.. seeing that he is a 1st round projection, I'd take Martin and be happy with it in the 2nd. If Minnifield is there, I'd take him over any player.. he will be a taller Asante Samuel in our scheme. He has Pro Bowler written all over him.. his father was Frank Minnifield from the old school Browns whom was also a multiple pro bowler.

[jarhead]

If I believe correctly it was TD who was drafted and played his rookie season as a safety.

You are correct regarding Tdavis.I do think they had him pegged as a lb along.

I guess it is how Riveria values a safety. I see a few safties in the NFL that are worth a top ten pick.I think the position will be upgraded but the question is with what?

[GamecockSmitty4]

Keep an eye out for Antonio Allen. Kiper thinks he will be the second safety off the board after Barron. Guy is a baller. From NEPatriotsDraft.com's take on him from the bowl game...

26 Antonio Allen, LB/DB, South Carolina

-Very active early in the run game.

-Gains edge and sacks QB. Very quick and flexible in his bend.

-Doesn’t finish on open-field tackle, Burkhead squirts out.

-Allen was celebrating while Burkhead continued to fight for yards.

-Lined up in the box, forces play back inside.

-Sky again, flows with the ball and makes the tackle on RB.

-RB spins out of tackle, keeps working and assists on play.

-Fights off FB block, crashes down on 3rd and 1 and makes big play.

-Good dip coming off the edge rushing the passer.

-Very intriguing prospect – will be watching some more tape on Allen – liked what we saw from him helping the run.

His stats from this past year (from the SPUR position):

89 tackles, 56 solo, 1.0 sack, 3 ints, 1 TD, 2 PDs