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Green Bay Packers: 5 Potential breakout players in 2021

By Joe Kipp

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 15: Linebacker Rashan Gary #52 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after a tackle against the Chicago Bears during the game at Lambeau Field on December 15, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 15: Linebacker Rashan Gary #52 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after a tackle against the Chicago Bears during the game at Lambeau Field on December 15, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 22: Kamal Martin #54 of the Green Bay Packers on the field in the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 22: Kamal Martin #54 of the Green Bay Packers on the field in the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

4. Kamal Martin, LB

The Packers linebacking corps is far from the best in the league. In fact, they’re probably in the bottom half of the league. The development from young players like Krys Barnes and Kamal Martin will be crucial in whether the unit takes a step forward or stays stagnant in 2021.

Obviously, Green Bay signed De’Vondre Campbell earlier this month to replace the departed Christian Kirksey. Campbell, who figures to be the team’s starting inside linebacker, is a reliable veteran who should theoretically lead the defense in tackles this season. But Campbell isn’t the type of player who can turn a defense from good to great.

Martin, a fifth-round rookie last season, has a chance to make a significant impact this coming season. After missing the beginning of the 2020 season with a knee injury, he never got a chance to get into a rhythm. Martin appeared in just 10 games (six starts).

While he still showed flashes of potential, Martin missed too many valuable reps in practice and real-life game scenarios to really get a grip on the speed of the NFL – not to mention no offseason work because of the pandemic. With a full offseason of team workouts, OTAs and training camp, and an injury-free start to the season, Martin should be able take a significant step forward in his development.

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