Illinois LB Martez Wilson is considered to be the top inside linebacker in the 2011 NFL Draft, to be held later this month on April 28th in prime time. While it may be a reach for Wilson to be selected in the first round of the draft, he will definitely not last past the 2nd round. The Baltimore Ravens are still searching for the guy who will line up next to All-Pro Ray Lewis and ultimately fill his shoes once he retires and heads into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Ravens held a private workout for the 6'4", 250 pound prospect, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. In addition to being a solid tackler, he has the sideline-to-sideline speed that Lewis was known around the league for in his earlier days. Wilson posted a blazing 4.42 forty-yard dash time at February's NFL Scouting Combine, fast for any player, but virtually unheard of for a linebacker of his size.
Although it would be a surprise for the Ravens to use their first pick in the draft on Wilson, the possibility of the team trading back for more picks or trading up in the second round to grab Wilson before another team does always remains an option, based on GM Ozzie Newsome's previous draft strategy.