Analysis: Green Bay Packers Trade for Derrick Martin

by Brandon on Sep 5, 2009 3:50 PM CDT in News Comment 2 comments

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Derrick Martin (29) breaks up a pass intended for New York Jets wide receiver Britt Davis (17) during the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 24-23. At left is Ravens Tom Zbikowski (28). (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

5 months ago: Baltimore Ravens cornerback Derrick Martin (29) breaks up a pass intended for New York Jets wide receiver Britt Davis (17) during the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 24-23. At left is Ravens Tom Zbikowski (28). (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

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I haven't posted my game review from the final preseason game yet, but it was pretty obvious why they might trade for a cornerback. CBs Pat Lee, Will Blackmon, and Brandon Underwood are all battling injuries, and CB Trevor Ford looked just awful, and he too was hurt in the last minute. WR Brett Swain played cornerback in the 4th quarter, and except for his tackling (which is something I'm sure he never practices), he was their best CB on the field. CB Jarrett Bush and CB Joe Porter are better, but they were both playing at safety, where depth is a problem too because of injuries to S Aaron Rouse and S Charlie Peprah.

With depth an issue, they made a trade for CB/S Derrick Martin, according to Aaron Wilson at the National Football Post. Baltimore will receive a 6th or 7th round pick in 2010 in return. Although Baltimore's secondary isn't loaded with big name players, including former Packer CB Frank Walker, they were a very good unit last season, so he's been competing for playing time against some good players. Martin was injured all last season, and although he's played CB in the past, the Ravens were using him exclusively at safety this preseason. Baltimore Beatdown expected that Martin would win a spot on the 53 man roster, so he should be good.

UPDATE: Great minds think alike. Mitchell and I were writing about this at the same time and his post got up before mine. Check out his post below.

UPDATE #2: It's a straight up trade of OL Tony Moll for Martin. Moll was the starting RT at the end of last season, filling in after RT Mark Tauscher went down with an injury, but he was always prone to the occasional lapse (i.e. missed assignment, holding penalty) so he was out of favor, and never even consider as Tauscher's replacement this season. He was probably going to be released, so acquiring a needed player for the secondary was a good move.

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Comments

beat you to it, boss

But I agree, he should be better than the young players we have right now. A good Band-Aid for 2009.

"Brandon Jennings needs a nickname before he gives himself one. Oh wait, Young Money, he already did."

by Mitchell_M on Sep 5, 2009 3:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Looks like the trade involves Packers Tackle/Guard Tony Moll

The Ravens were looking for a backup tackle that they desperately needed. Moll would only need to play the Right side as RT Michael Oher would move to the left side if LT Jared Gaither got injured.

I’d love to hear something about the Ravens new player.

Derrick Martin was the best man left standing in the disastrous 2007 season for the Ravens. After Samari Rolle and Chris McCallister injured, the Ravens had to rely on their backups for most of the season. David Pittman, Ronnie Prude, and Corey Ivy were all awful. Martin was extremely raw, but was the only person that could stay with his man. He’s fast and a good hitter, but he’s small and will struggle with big receivers.

by math_geek on Sep 5, 2009 4:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs