Green Bay Packers: 5 Non-Stars Who Can Make Lasting Impact in 2021

3 of 5

Jan 16, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Krys Barnes (51) tackles Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers (23) during the NFC Divisional Round at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Kamal Martin or Krys Barnes

I guess you could say I’m cheating a bit here by taking both Green Bay Packers’ linebackers, and while it would be nice to see both Kamal Martin and Krys Barnes make that Year 2 leap, even if only one of them does, this defense should be just fine. Remember, this Joe Barry defense is one that does an excellent job of keeping the linebacker clean and allowing them to make plays. Even though the Los Angeles Rams lost Corey Littleton in free agency in 2020, that defense didn’t miss a beat.

Barnes came out of nowhere last year as a UDFA and, by Week 15, was not only starting but was wearing the green dot as the signal-caller on the defense. Martin was able to show a lot of promise as well and is a big play waiting to happen as someone who absolutely flies around the field–although he does need to play with a bit more control. However, as always, an important aspect is going to be that each of them stays healthy–both missed time last season.

As long as they can stay healthy, this is a defense that should allow Barnes and Martin to flourish, and with that, these are two players who can leave their mark on this 2021 Green Bay Packers’ defense.

Home/Green Bay Packers