PFF chooses Blake Martinez as potential first-time All-Pro selection
Pro Football Focus picked a potential first-time All-Pro selection at each position heading into the 2021 season, and when it came to the linebackers, Blake Martinez was the choice.
As PFF's Ben Linsey wrote, "Martinez's 75.9 PFF grade last season — his first with New York — represented the best mark of his career. That performance was also good enough to make him the fifth-most valuable off-ball linebacker in the NFL, according to PFF's Wins Above Replacement metric. Martinez had success at various points in the middle of the Green Bay Packers' defense as both a run defender and a coverage defender, but he rarely succeeded in both areas at the same time.
"Part of his inclusion on this list is that the Giants' defense as a whole could very well be impressive next season under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. New York boasts one of the deepest secondaries in the league and has several disruptive presences along the defensive line. That could put Martinez in position to accumulate statistics that matter to All-Pro voters."
Martinez has not missed a game in four years. In his first season with the Giants, he recorded 151 tackles (86 solo), three sacks, nine tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one interception and five passes defensed.
PFF is not the only one to heap praise on Martinez recently. Just last week, NFL.com's Dan Hanzus picked the 27-year-old linebacker to be the Giants' 2021 MVP. Meanwhile, Giants legend and two-time Super Bowl champion Justin Tuck joined Big Blue Kickoff last month and compared the linebacker to Antonio Pierce, the anchor of the Giants' 2007 Super Bowl-winning defense.
21 Questions: Sleeper player to watch
With the calendar flipped to July, Giants.com asks 21 important questions heading into the team's 2021 training camp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.
For 21 days, a member of the Giants.com crew will answer one question about the roster, coaching staff, schedule, and much more.
Lance Medow: The Giants were very aggressive this offseason, adding several players through free agency and the draft at various positions. That's why it's very easy to overlook former Vikings edge rusher Ifeadi Odenigbo, who proved to be a nice complement to Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffin in Minnesota over the last two seasons.
The Giants need someone to assume a similar role opposite pass rusher Leonard Williams. They also lost Kyler Fackrell to the Chargers after he finished tied for second on the team with four sacks in 2020. Odenigbo had seven sacks in 2019 and although his total dipped to 3.5 last season, he also recorded 15 quarterback hits, three tackles for loss and a safety. He's capable of being a disruptive player. It's all about opportunity within the Giants' scheme.
With training camp here, view photos of every move made by the Giants this offseason.
DT Leonard Williams - Signed to three-year contract
WR Kenny Golladay - Free Agent Signing
CB Adoree' Jackson - Free Agent Signing
TE Kyle Rudolph - Free Agent Signing
WR John Ross - Free Agent Signing
DT Danny Shelton - Free Agent Signing
LB Reggie Ragland - Free Agent Signing
DE Ifeadi Odenigbo - Free Agent Signing
WR Kadarius Toney - Selected with 20th pick in 2021 NFL Draft
WR Kadarius Toney - Selection List Signing
LB Azeez Ojulari - Selected with 50th pick in 2021 NFL Draft
LB Azeez Ojulari - Selection List Signing
CB Aaron Robinson - Selected with 71st pick in 2021 NFL Draft
CB Aaron Robinson - Selection List Signing
LB Elerson Smith - Selected with 116th pick in 2021 NFL Draft
LB Elerson Smith - Selection List Signing
RB Gary Brightwell - Selected with 196th pick in 2021 NFL Draft
RB Gary Brightwell - Selection List Signing
CB Rodarius WIlliams - Selected with 201st pick in 2021 NFL Draft
CB Rodarius Williams - Selection List Signing
RB Saquon Barkley - Fifth-year option picked up
RB Devontae Booker - Free Agent Signing
QB Mike Glennon - Free Agent Signing
OLB Ryan Anderson - Free Agent Signing
OL Zach Fulton - Free Agent Signing
OL Jonotthan Harrison - Free Agent Signing
OL Joe Looney - Free Agent Signing
WR Damion Willis - Free Agent Signing
RB Corey Clement - Free Agent Signing
C Brett Heggie - Undrafted Free Agent Signing
G Jake Burton - Undrafted Free Agent Signing
DE Raymond Johnson - Undrafted Free Agent Signing
DT Austin Johnson - Signed to new contract with Giants
WR C.J. Board
LS Casey Kreiter - Signed to new contract with Giants
LB Devante Downs - Free Agent Signing
FB Cullen Gillaspia - Free Agent Signing
DB Joshua Kalu - Free Agent Signing
TE Cole Hikutini - Free Agent Signing
DB Chris Milton
RB Mike Weber - Free Agent Signing
DB Jordyn Peters - Free Agent Signing
WR Alex Bachman - Signed to a reserve/future deal
LB Trent Harris - Signed to a reserve/future deal
DB Montre Hartage - Signed to a reserve/future deal
TE Rysen John - Signed to a reserve/future deal
DT David Moa - Signed to a reserve/future deal
G Chad Slade - Signed to a reserve/future deal
QB Clayton Thorson - Signed to a reserve/future deal
LS Carson Tinker - Signed to a reserve/future deal
G Kenny Wiggins - Signed to a reserve/future deal
DB Jarren Williams - Signed to a reserve/future deal
DB Quincy Wilson - Signed to a reserve/future deal
OT Jackson Barton - Signed, Renegotiated Contract: Exclusive Rights
DB Madre Harper - Signed, Renegotiated Contract: Exclusive Rights
WR Derrick Dillon - Signed to a reserve/future deal
WR David Sills - Signed, Renegotiated Contract: Exclusive Rights
TE Nakia Griffin-Stewart - Signed to a reserve/future deal
LB Cale Garrett - Signed to a reserve/future deal
P Ryan Santoso - Signed to a reserve/future deal
G Kevin Zeitler - Released
WR Golden Tate - Released
RB Devonta Freeman - Waived, from Reserve/Injured
WR Da'Mari Scott - Waived, No Recall
DB Shakial Taylor - Waived, No Recall
LB David Mayo - Released
WR Cody Core - Released
CB Ryan Lewis - Waived
Photos: LB Blake Martinez's first season with Giants
Check out the gallery below to view photos of linebacker Blake Martinez in his first season with the Giants.
View photos of linebacker Blake Martinez in his first season with the Giants.
Blake Martinez (54)
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Blake Martinez (54), Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham
Blake Martinez (54), Carter Coughlin (49)
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Logan Ryan (23), Blake Martinez (54)
Tae Crowder (48), Blake Martinez (54)
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Blake Martinez (54), Julian Love (20)
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Tae Crowder (48), Blake Martinez (54)
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Blake Martinez (54) Dexter Lawrence (97), Leonard Williams (99),
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New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) flexes during a week 17 regular season football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) during a week 1 regular season Monday Night football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium on September 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) makes a tackle during a week 6 regular season football game against the Washington Football Team at MetLife Stadium onOctober 18th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens (4) during a week 3 regular season football game at MetLife Stadium on September 27h, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Blake Martinez (54)
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) during a week 3 regular season football game against the San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium on September 27h, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) tackles Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz (86) during a week 17 regular season football game at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) warms-up before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) during a week 6 regular season football game against the Washington Football Team at MetLife Stadium on October 18th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) tackles Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) during a week 17 regular season football game at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants' Blake Martinez (54) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) during a week 10 regular season football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on November 15th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) warms up before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) tackles Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) during a week 17 regular season football game at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants' Blake Martinez (54) plays during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) during a week 1 regular season Monday Night football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium on September 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during a week 17 regular season football game at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants' Blake Martinez reacts after a missed sack during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during a week 17 regular season football game at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez looks on against the Seattle Seahawks in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) during a week 10 regular season football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on November 15th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) stops a ball carrier during an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Seattle. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 17-12. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) during a week 10 regular season football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on November 15th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) during a week 8 regular season Monday Night football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on November 2nd, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) during a week 10 regular season football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on November 15th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) in action on defense against the Cincinnati Bengals during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants defeated the Bengals 19-17. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants' Blake Martinez, left, stops Arizona Cardinals' Christian Kirk during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez is pictured during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Seattle. The Giants won 17-12. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) plays the field during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) tackles Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Robert Woods (17) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. Rams won 17-9. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) reacts during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, Md. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) prepares for the snap during an NFL game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, MD. The Giants defeated Washington 23-20. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) in action during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 37-34. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants' Blake Martinez warms-up before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) makes a tackle during an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 02, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Buccaneers beat the Giants 25-23. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) runs in pursuit during the NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Giants 17-13. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants' Kyler Fackrell (51), Tae Crowder (48) and Blake Martinez celebrate after Martinez recovered a Dallas Cowboys' Andy Dalton fumble in the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 22-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. Rams won 17-9. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
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New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) during a training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 18, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) during a training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) during a training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Sunday August 16, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) during a training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
