The Green Bay Packers have selected former Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Kamal Martin with the 175th overall pick.
Analysis: After a curious first two days in the 2020 NFL Draft, Brian Gutekunst finally fills a need in the fifth round. A former first team all-state quarterback in high school, Martin switched to linebacker in his freshman year at Minnesota. The 6’3, 240 pound linebacker missed eight games in 2019 with a knee injury. When on the field however, Martin demonstrates all the necessary skills to step right in and contribute in Green Bay. He exhibits fantastic recognition skills, and upper body strength to slip blocks in the NFL. Martin shows a quick trigger in “see ball, get ball” situations, and is tremendous when attacking downhill.
Team Fit: With starting linebacker Blake Martinez moving on in free agency, reinforcements were always needed. Here, Gutekunst adds a reliable coverage player, with the ability to shoot gaps and make plays with consistency. Martin’s play flashes on tape, even when evaluating teammate Antoine Winfield Jr. The Minnesota product will battle with Oren Burks for the right to backup Christian Kirksey. He should also contribute on special teams in his first year with the Packers.
NFL Player Comp: Darron Lee
Nick is a lifelong Packers fan. 4th and 26 was on his 13th birthday, unlucky. Follow him @CANDRAFTGEEK647 on Twitter for all your Packers draft needs and questions.
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