Giants’ Blake Martinez impressed with Azeez Ojulari, Lorenzo Carter
New York Giants inside linebacker and defensive captain, Blake Martinez, is heading into his second year with Big Blue much more comfortable than his first, when the team wasn’t permitted to meet or practice in person due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Those restrictions didn’t really slow the overly productive Martinez down once the season began, however. Coming into his Giants career, Martinez had been one of the more prolific tacklers in the league during his time with Green Bay. In 2020, he led the team with 151 total tackles, the fourth-highest total in the NFL.
This year, Martinez and his mates will get a full offseason program in order to get acquainted. On Thursday, he spoke with the media during the Giants’ third OTA session.
Martinez commented on some of the new players on the roster, such as second round pick linebacker Azeez Ojulari of Georgia.
“He’s a freaky looking player,” Martinez said of Ojulari. “Just watching him today, he made some great plays out there in practice, showed some athleticism, things like that. Once again, it’s OTAs, so you’ve got to wait until we put the pads on, things like that. So far I think he’s done really well.”
Meanwhile, interior defensive lineman Danny Shelton, a massive presence in the middle of any defense he lines up for, promises to make Martinez’ job easier this year.
“No wonder he was drafted in the first round. You get three picks in one, just how big he is,” Martinez said. “I tell him every single day, I’m glad I have you in front of me. I literally can’t see double-teams so there’s no way they can get to me.”
Martinez will continue to be a staple on the Giants’ defense again this year. Who will surround him is still to be determined. The Giants will have a slew of linebackers in camp, including Lorenzo Carter, who is making his way back from an Achilles injury. He is at OTAs.
“It’s awesome seeing a guy come back from an injury like that. It’s been really cool. Excited for him. I know he’s put in a ton of work this off-season getting ready to go. He’s just doing his thing out there,” Martinez said.
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