Packers 2021 roster preview: Second season for Kamal Martin

Kamal Martin was one of the standout performers for the Green Bay Packers last summer, but an injury meant he missed significant game time in his rookie season.

The Packers have made some additions at inside linebacker this offseason but also moved on from Christian Kirksey.

What role could Martin have in the Packers’ defense this season?

2020 stats

Martin featured in 10 games for the Packers in the regular season, starting six. He finished the year with 24 tackles, one sack, and three tackles for loss.

2020 review

Martin was one of the Packers’ standout performers last summer and gave fans plenty of reasons to be excited about his potential. Unfortunately, an injury kept him out of the start of the year and he would miss the opening six games.

By the time he returned, another rookie, Krys Barnes, had become a regular starter next to Christian Kirksey.

Martin made some good plays during his limited time on the field, but he was inconsistent and has some areas of his game to improve moving forward. Still, there was a lot to like about his performances in his rookie season.

Will he make the roster?

Yes. Although the Packers did sign De’Vondre Campbell earlier this month, a move they made after drafting Isaiah McDuffie back in April, Martin should still make Green Bay’s initial 53-man roster later this summer.

What to expect in 2021

Martin should again be one of the team’s top three inside linebackers next to Campbell and Barnes. It’s entirely possible he overtakes Barnes at some point to become a starter next to Campbell.

Martin needs to stay healthy and also improve his game over the summer. If he can build on last season, Martin can become an important player for the Packers in the middle of the defense.

I’m excited to see what’s next from the 2020 fifth-round pick.