Green Bay Packers: 5 Pro Bowl locks for 2018

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 22: Jason Spriggs #78 and David Bakhtiari #69 of the Green Bay Packers take a knee during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome on January 22, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 22: Jason Spriggs #78 and David Bakhtiari #69 of the Green Bay Packers take a knee during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome on January 22, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 08: Blake Martinez #50 of the Green Bay Packers tries to stop Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter of a football game at AT&T Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 08: Blake Martinez #50 of the Green Bay Packers tries to stop Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter of a football game at AT&T Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

3. Blake Martinez

Blake Martinez had a bit of a coming out party during his second season as a pro and should be able to carry that momentum into 2018. After having a very up and down season, he’s now locked himself solidly into the starting spot as the top inside linebacker.

Martinez played all 16 games last season and recorded 94 tackles and was always around the ball. That number should rise this season, as he’s one year improved and the defensive line should be able to take on more blockers.

The downfall of Martinez’ game so far has been the lack of game-changing plays. In 29 career games, he has only mounted two sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. If he wants to take another leap forward and make his first Pro Bowl, he needs to come up with a bunch more game-altering plays in those categories.