Is Kamal Martin the ILB the Packers Have Been Waiting For?
By GilMartin
Rookie fifth-round pick Kamal Martin saw his first NFL game action last Sunday in Houston and the former University of Minnesota star played well. In just 29 snaps, Martin made six tackles including one tackle for loss.
Martin was considered the Packers best inside linebacker in training camp by many observers who noticed what he brought to the game. But late in camp, Martin suffered an injury and was placed on the IR before Week 1.
On Sunday, Martin played his first football game since November when an injury ended his college career. He was clearly excited to return to the field for the first time in about 11 months.
“It was definitely a lot of fun to get back out there,” Martin told reporters in a video conference earlier this week. “I haven’t played football in a really long time so it just felt good to get back out there with the guys and just do our job with all these other guys.”
Martin was happy to be back on the field but admitted he can play even better than he did in Houston. “There is always room for improvement,” Martin explained. “I’ve got to be a lot better and as a defense we’re always looking to be better and that starts with me holding myself accountable as well as 10 other guys holding themselves accountable.”
Head coach Matt LaFleur was pleased with what he saw from Martin in his first action as a pro. “I see a guy that has a lot of playmaking ability,” LaFleur said. “So, I was really encouraged by what Kamal did.”
During the game, fellow rookie ILB Krys Barnes was injured and had to leave the game. Martin was able to step in and play the “Mike” position that Barnes was playing. He handled the transition well despite not having played before Sunday and not having practiced at Mike linebacker this week.
“That's a pretty difficult position to be in, but I was happy with a lot of the things he did and him just flying around,” LaFleur said. “He's a big physical presence out there.”
Martin is 6’3” and 240 pounds. He has good speed and did a good job in his first appearance both defending the run and dropping back into coverage when he had to.
The Packers have struggled at inside linebacker for several years. Christian Kirksey was signed this year to replace the recently departed Blake Martinez but the Packers haven’t had a dominant player at ILB for several years. Kirksey got off to a disappointing start to the season before he was injured in the game against New Orleans. He has yet to return to the lineup.
Barnes replaced Kirksey and played well. Even Martin was impressed by the job the undrafted rookie out of UCLA did. “Krys has been doing an amazing job for us,” Martin said. “He’s such a smart, intellectual player. He approaches the game with a business like mindset. He plays hard, he works hard and he competes hard so any time you get a chance to learn and grow with a player like that and not just that he’s a better person. It’s a blessing to be able to work with him and play with him and just learn and grow as we are both rookies.”
Martin and Barnes are both rookies and both players worked together to get through the difficult situation that the cancellation of minicamps, OTAs and preseason games caused for each of them this offseason.
“It’s been awesome to have Krys alongside this journey,” Martin added. “Even through camp and before camp, the Zoom meetings and all that Krys has been awesome. We’ve held our own separate meetings to learn and figure out what we need to do on the defensive side of the ball and contribute. He’s done a great job and I’m incredibly proud of him and what he’s done so far. He stepped up in a huge role and not a lot of guys can do that so much credit to Krys.”
Barnes’ injury does not appear to be serious. He was a limited participant in practice Wednesday according to the official injury report with a shoulder and biceps injury. He may be available on Sunday when the Packers host the Vikings at Lambeau Field. It’s entirely possible that the Pack starts two rookies at ILB on Sunday and beyond and Martin and Barnes have been the best options so far this season.
Based on his early performance, Martin may be able to play well against both the run and the pass. That means he may have a chance to get a lot more playing time especially before Kirksey is healthy again and is able to return to the lineup. In his Wednesday press conference, LaFleur indicated Kirksey may be able to return to practice later this week and may be close to returning to the lineup.
The good news for the Packers is that Martin and Barnes should both get better as they gain experience and as Martin gets back into mid-season football shape after not playing for nearly 11 months.
The Packers have longed for an upgrade at inside linebacker for several years. These young players like Martin and Barnes may have the potential to upgrade the position from within both in the short term and for years to come.
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Comments (70)
Coldworld
October 29, 2020 at 12:05 pm
I’ve been excited about Martin from the start, but really, isn’t this a bit premature? Not even played a full game yet and we are expecting great things.
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 01:09 pm
It is early but the need is quite big at this position. I hope he can fill the need. Thanks for the comment, Coldworld.
dblbogey
October 29, 2020 at 03:06 pm
Good article. I like both of these kids. Just stay healthy!
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 03:15 pm
Thanks for commenting, dlbbogey, glad you liked the article. I like them both, too and hope they can improve the position.
Guam
October 29, 2020 at 04:26 pm
I agree its a little early to crown Martin but he has shown well in his limited time. I am more excited about Martin, Barnes and Kirksey as a group. This is a better and deeper ILB corps than the Packers have had for some time. As long as they stay healthy our run defense should be much improved.
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 08:03 pm
The potential is definitely there. Now they have to show they can do the job consistently. I hope these kids and Kirksey help improve the run defense and the defense in general. Thanks for the comment, Guam.
TarynsEyes
October 29, 2020 at 12:16 pm
Only in GB, maybe not only, can a one game played player become the savior of a position that the team flips off as being inconsequential yearly, less the writers and some fans here, of course.
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 01:10 pm
The team clearly does not emphasize this position. Martin was a 5th round pick. Hopefully he can show his strong camp and good first game was not a fluke. Thanks for the comment, Tarynfor12.
TheVOR
October 29, 2020 at 01:48 pm
Agree with both of you. I'll just say this, if these two continue to be available and excel, it could be an amazing story moving forward. I've seen some thumping ability out of both of these guys. Yes, they have to be consistent, and the injuries are worrisome for sure. Availability is King in the NFL (not Kevin King obviously... oh snap! - has missed 20 games in 3 1/3 seasons).
I've been clamoring for a thumper first round ILB for a while. Watch Kendricks this week for the Vikings. That dude is an active thumper, a really good ILB. That's what this team needs, some really nasty bangers at ILB.
Unfortunately, we knew Kirksey wasn't going to stay healthy, you just knew it, and both Barnes and Martin are and or have been injured already. We need some tough proven thumpers that can stay on the flipping field!
Again though, I like the potential of Barnes and Martin, they just need to stay available. Depth is always a good thing to have as well, so it's good they're getting quality football reps at a minimum.
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 03:20 pm
You're right, TheVOR, availability is one of the most important abilities in the NFL. I hope these two young rookies can stay healthy and improve the position. The potential is there, now they have to show they can get it done. Thanks for commenting.
jannesbjornson
October 29, 2020 at 09:15 pm
Kendricks is a guy i was hoping Ted would have moved UP to bag--so it goes.
Archie
October 29, 2020 at 04:05 pm
They look better than anything we've seen on this team at ILB for a LONG time, other than when Clay Matthews played the position. And to think, they are both raw rookies. As much as I like Barnes he seems like a 1st and 2nd down kind of guy - he gets lost in space and coverage when moving sideways or backwards. Moving forward he's an A, whereas Martin looks like he can do it all.
Next up are the safeties, Black and Scott. That's 4 guys that could make us solid up the middle and they cost us virtually nothing. May allow us to shed Kirksey and Amos salaries next year. Garvin has potential as well.
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 08:10 pm
A bit premature to say we dump Amos but having good players on rookie contracts always helps the cap situation and can help the defense at the same time. Like what I've seen so far from Black and Scott, but it's very limited reps. Thanks for the comment, Archie.
mattman1138
October 29, 2020 at 06:43 pm
You are literally the most NEGATIVE person I've ever seen on any of these boards. Literally have never seen a positive comment from you. How about letting people be excited about a player that had good reviews in camp, instead of being a wet blanket all the time?
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 08:10 pm
I am also excited about the potential of these kids. Hope they can take that next step and become full time contributors for the Packers. Thanks for the comment, mattman1138.
TarynsEyes
October 30, 2020 at 09:42 am
OK.
They're Great!
Now back to reality.
Thegravedigger
October 31, 2020 at 03:36 pm
I think you at least have to admit you like being a ballbuster. Yes the packers have holes. But being a fan i want to escape reality and look at the positives. I live in fuckin reality. At work everyday. When it comes to the packers
Id rather look at the bright side. And so would most other fans. The nfl for a fan is about escaping reality. And they are 5 and 1. 18 n 4 in there last 22. Its not terrible. And honestly whats so bad about this article? The guy came in and filled some holes and made some plays in his first nfl game. You think thats an easy thing to do? Its worth at least one article on cheesehead tv at least. Now lets see what he does next week.
rstain99
October 30, 2020 at 05:52 pm
As Bill Parcels used to say let them play a season before you put them in the HOF, defense could really use a jolt, played ok against Texans but a team like 49ers will beat them up. Watched them against NE who has a good defense, well they got pounded. They are so physical hope GB is up to the challenge.
Thegravedigger
October 31, 2020 at 03:38 pm
This gb team needs to show that when they get punched in the mouth they can punch back.
Since'61
October 29, 2020 at 12:17 pm
Both Barnes and Martin have looked good so far. But they are still in the infancy of their NFL careers. By season’s end we’ll have a better handle on what their NFL careers may evolve into. It would be great if they become our solution at ILB. Thanks, Since ‘61
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 01:12 pm
Agreed, Since'61. They have both showed early promise and that's without preseason games and a normal offseason. Hopefully one or both of them can take over the position. Thanks as always for commenting.
dblbogey
October 29, 2020 at 03:09 pm
They've both looked better, faster, more aggressive than anything we've seen at the ILB positions in years. It's understandable to be excited about their prospects.
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 03:21 pm
Agreed, dblbogey. Now they have to stay healthy and show they can get the job done. The potential is definitely there. Thanks for commenting.
splitpea1
October 29, 2020 at 12:24 pm
Too small of a sample size with Martin, but with this rookie duo, I'm optimistic nonetheless. It would be great to see the ILB issue finally resolved. If we continue to see strong play out of them, then we should be able to clear the less effective players off the roster after this season.
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 01:12 pm
They have both showed some promise. I hope one or both of them are part of the solution. Thanks for the comment, splitpea1.
Lare
October 29, 2020 at 12:52 pm
After being a position of neglect for so long, I think that Packer fans are simply happy to be seeing any sort of attention being paid to the ILB position this year and some resulting production to the defense.
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 01:13 pm
Tough to disagree with that logic, Lare. It's been a while since the Packers have had a Pro Bowl caliber ILB. Hope one of these two guys can step in and upgrade the position but it is early. They've got potential. Thanks for the comment.
splitpea1
October 29, 2020 at 01:55 pm
Damn right. Now we just need a couple of upgrades to the DL to play in front of them. Hopefully there will be a few solid prospects that Gute will consider come draft time.
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 03:21 pm
Fingers crossed.
PeteK
October 29, 2020 at 05:37 pm
I'm happy with the improvement Keke and Adams have shown. They have a solid rotation now with Lancaster and Lowry even though I wish we could trade Lowry for Fuller.
splitpea1
October 29, 2020 at 06:14 pm
Adams: Nice of him to wake up as his contract is about to expire. Unless he turns into an instant Pro Bowler, we need to be moving on from him. Lowry, too.
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 08:12 pm
I also like the flashes Keke and Adams have shown. They need to be a bit more consistent now, but the potential is clearly there. Thanks for the comment, PeteK.
WisconsinStrong
October 29, 2020 at 08:01 pm
Well stated!
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 08:12 pm
Thanks for commenting, ,WisconsinStrong.
jannesbjornson
October 29, 2020 at 09:23 pm
Thank Sam Seale to push for Barnes to get onboard. He should have been drafted no later than a four pick. NFL evaluation processes should move back to film rooms and sidelines. See a guy who knows how to play and snag him.
LayingTheLawe
October 29, 2020 at 01:07 pm
Way too soon to say anything but that he's a promising rookie.
You do root for a guy like this as he appears to be a well spoken and thoughtful guy.
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 01:14 pm
He does come across that way. I hope he can realize the promise he's shown so far. Thanks for commenting, LayingTheLawe.
Lphill
October 30, 2020 at 09:33 am
The Vikings should not be taken lightly, yes their defense is not what it once was but the offense is capable of scoring some points, I believe Cook is back so lets see how Martin and Barnes hold up .
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 01:16 pm
Cook is always a threat and he's a great back. I hope the Packers won't take him or the Vikings offense lightly. The Packers should be able to take advantage of the Vikings mediocre and injured secondary again like they did in Week 1, but you can never take a division rival lightly. Thanks for the comment, Lphill.
PeteK
October 29, 2020 at 05:49 pm
I'm looking forward to see how our youth performs against an offense that I believe is ranked near the top in yards per play.
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 08:13 pm
Certainly a challenge for the defense. Thanks, PeteK.
Leatherhead
October 29, 2020 at 01:16 pm
Considering we want Superman at this position, I think it’s likely we’ll fall short.
We expect that you will cover the speediest TEs in the line while also shedding 300lb blockers and making tackles near the line. Just staying healthy and being a leading tackler isn’t enough. You have to also make “splash plays”.
The way this defense is, I think you need Superman and his brother at ILB. Two DL, two edge rushers, five or six DBs....and Superman.
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 01:18 pm
It seems like a contradiction that management undervalues the position and then hopes for Superman. We do ask a lot of the ILB and they call the signals on D as well. I hope Martin and Barnes (sounds like a law firm) can upgrade the position. Thanks for commenting, Leatherhead.
PeteK
October 29, 2020 at 05:55 pm
Martin and Barnes: laying down the law ~~catchy
Lphill
October 29, 2020 at 04:25 pm
Devin White for Tampa must be Superman then because you just described him , I believe we passed by him in the draft too.
CJBauckham
October 29, 2020 at 05:22 pm
we did not
jannesbjornson
October 29, 2020 at 09:29 pm
Easy on the jug. We made note to your reference a number of times this past week. He was the number FIVE pick in the 2019 draft, nowhere near a #12 or #21....
Lphill
October 30, 2020 at 09:34 am
So the Packers don't trade up ?
Thegreatreynoldo
October 30, 2020 at 07:44 pm
12 to 5 is a big jump. No, teams don't or at least should not trade up that far for a non-QB.
dobber
October 30, 2020 at 10:35 am
Superman or Devin White?
White was drafted 5th overall in the first round, so no, the Packers never got a shot at him. How's Nick Kwiatkoski doing, by the way?
arthurl
October 29, 2020 at 01:31 pm
Both Martin and Barnes look like they could become good players and the Packers haven’t had two solid players at that position for a while. The potential is there which is great considering neither was highly drafted with Barnes going totally under the radar. The key will be how healthy will they be. Can their bodies hold up at the pro level. If these guys pan out the Packers will probably cut Kirksey to save the dough?
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 03:22 pm
I like the potential of these two young ILBs. Possible they'd cut Kirksey before next season if both these guys pan out and stay healthy, but that has to happen first. Thanks for the comment, arthurl.
ricky
October 29, 2020 at 02:15 pm
As always, it's not where a guy is drafted, or even if he's drafted. It's all about what he can do once he's on the field in a real game.
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 03:23 pm
That's always the bottom line in the NFL. High picks get more chances, but if you can't get the job done, you won't last long. Thanks for the comment, ricky.
MITM
October 29, 2020 at 02:18 pm
The most telling thing about Martin is how he got healthy, got right out on the field and started making plays. This is a kid who didnt have a rookie training camp,(same as Barnes) and just got out there and flashed. Barnes did the same thing Week 1 against Minnesota, and in every game since.
Its okay to start getting a little bit excited about these 2 - because there is reason to be. HOWEVER I also remember guys like DJ Smith flashing at first and then fading away (However Barnes and Martin are athletically superior to DJ). Then theres a guy like Sam Barrington who looked like he was gonna be the guy for us after Bishop, and he was gone in a flash due to injury as well.
I think whats also exciting about Barnes and Martin together is they have complementary body types. Martin is longer and leaner and Barnes is stockier - both can bring it and Martin should be the better cover guy of the 2.
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 03:24 pm
Some good points, MITM. I also like the fact that the two of them get along with each other off the field and on and seem to compliment each other's skill sets as you said. Keeping my fingers crossed they stay healthy and pan out. Thanks for the comment.
JonathanSpader
October 29, 2020 at 03:39 pm
I think Packer fans underrated Blake Martinez. He has 73 tackles for the Giants and 5 tackles for a loss already this year. He wasn't worth the money that the Giants paid but he outplayed his 4th round draft status in his time with the Packers.
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 08:16 pm
I think that's an accurate reading of Martinez. He wasn't worth the money the Giants gave him, but he more than lived up to being a 4th round pick and exceeded it. Good point, JonathanSpader.
JonathanSpader
October 29, 2020 at 11:50 pm
My point is he doesn't deserve the disrespect Packers fans have given him. He deserves to be recognized as the best ILB we've had in 10 years even if that's not saying much. Fans complain about poor tackling but fail to credit a 4th round pick that had qlmost 150 tackles a season 3 times. Packers will even get a comp pick for the money the Giants paid him.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
October 30, 2020 at 09:30 am
Jonathan,
As I recall if it wasnt for injury to Martin his senior year he likely would have been drafted much higher than he was.
It is this type of drafting where there might be 'some risk' but high reward. Gute appears from all reports to have possibly hit a home run.
Without racking my brain or googling TT blew a 1st rounder on a DL say about 10- years ago from Tennessee I believe who had a back injury that didnt pan out.
I've stated many times previously the Packers should draft talented big bodies on both sides of the line early next year. If Martin is the real deal it removes one more key position to have to draft.
I'm confounded about ESB and MVS and their development as I was certain as they matured we were going to be set at WR for a long time. It is my hope ESB shakes off the rust soon and returns to the talent he showed towards the end of his rookie season.
Imafan
October 29, 2020 at 03:53 pm
I'm just so thankful to finally hear the crack of shoulder pads and a runner stopped in his tracks rather than falling forward for more yardage! With Martin and Barnes we may have finally found a couple of intimidating thumpers! Go Pack!!!
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 08:16 pm
Fingers crossed, Imafan. I hope so. Thanks for commenting.
4thand1
October 29, 2020 at 07:50 pm
The Pack is overdue to hit at ILBer. They have hit on 4th and 5th rounders before and I'll go out on a limb and say they hit in the 5th this time. He had a good camp and had a good 1st game. Here's to a good game 2. GOPACKGO
GilMartin
October 29, 2020 at 08:17 pm
Here, here 4thand1. Thanks for the comment.
PhantomII
October 29, 2020 at 09:34 pm
Martinez was a good tackler albeit after a 5 yd. gain. He was always reliably on the field. If the 2 new guys can stay on the field for a season, then we will know if they are an upgrade. The first ability is reliability. I like the TFL and quick reaction time to keep the play in front of them. I like the group so far. A lot better quality group who read and react faster than the previous ILB's.
SterlingSharpe
October 29, 2020 at 10:06 pm
Dalvin Cook this week maybe, then San Francisco next Thursday.
Let's hope we're the ones doing the bullying these 2 games, which are over the course of 5 days, 2 games.
I don't know who the hell the Niners still have healthy at RB, but we've never been able to stop them from running right thru us, from Krappernick to Frank Gore to Raheem Mostert. They could bring back Ricky Watters or Tom Rathman and carve us up... but maybe Kamal & Barnes are the physicality we need to start punishing RBs.
I want to start being known as the bullies, like we've been bullied by SF & TB.
jannesbjornson
October 30, 2020 at 05:54 am
They penetrate the gaps and get leverage on the O linemen with more proficiency. They can cover better.
GilMartin
October 30, 2020 at 07:26 pm
It's long overdue. The Packers need to show the 49ers that they won't be pushed around and can't be run over. Should be an interesting game Thursday night. Thanks for the comment, SterlingSharpe.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 30, 2020 at 07:52 pm
I have big hopes for Martin. He hits and appears to be able to move pretty well.
That said, I agree with MITM above. An example is Summers who played quite nicely in his first game at ILB. I don't know if opposing DCs watched his tape and saw things to exploit or if the Saints were just a nice match-up for him. Either way, it has been downhill for him since that initial outing.
So, like always, look for consistency first from Martin, and if there is improvement, that's a bonus!
MDPacker4ever
October 30, 2020 at 09:31 pm
Summers never played nicely. He made 1 play in preseason. Then the very next play took terrible angle over ran the run stop.