When taking over as defensive coordinator, it was evident that Dennis Allen would make changes to the Chicago Bears’ scheme. While he runs a 4-3 alignment like Matt Eberflus did, their styles differ wildly. Where Eberflus preferred a more passive zone meant to keep everything in front of the defense, Allen is far more aggressive. He likes to blitz and play lots of man coverage. To make that scheme work, he needs two key things: a cornerback who can cover and linebackers who can blitz.
As things stand, the Bears have the former. Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Tyrique Stevenson are a trio well-suited to a man coverage approach. The bigger question is the linebacker situation. Blitzing has never really been a strength for Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, though they’ve shown they can do it. Jack Sanborn was already released, indicating that Allen plans to make some changes. A report from insider Aaron Wilson further confirmed it. They plan to meet with one of the better blitzing linebackers in this draft.
Dennis Allen no doubt sees what Martin can be.
It is fair to wonder if there would be more buzz around the linebacker had he managed to get through 2024 without a knee injury. Across 19 games prior to that setback, he had a staggering 187 tackles, seven sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He was explosive, athletic, and physical. Going into last season, many saw him as a potential 1st round prospect. Now he’s likely to go somewhere on Day 3 as teams are worried about the knee issue and his relative lack of experience. He never started two full seasons in college, which would explain his inconsistent instincts.
There is no question he would be a calculated gamble for the Bears. He has medical and technical questions to answer. Then again, Dennis Allen is never shy of such challenges. The defensive coordinator has found success this way in the past. Alex Anzalone came into the league with some question marks as a late 3rd round pick but has become a quality starter, first for the Saints and now the Lions. He did the same thing with Miles Burris and Sio Moore in Oakland, though to lesser extents. Martin is worth the risk, provided the price isn’t too steep.
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