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Draft analysts’ reactions to Packers’ selection of Minnesota LB Kamal Martin

Like most players drafted in round five or later, Martin has some limitations, but his size and aggressive attitude offer reasons for optimism.

Minnesota v Purdue Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

The Green Bay Packers made their first defensive selection in the 2020 NFL Draft with their fourth pick, selection number 175 in the fifth round of the draft. With that pick, the Packers chose Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Kamal Martin.

A captain for Minnesota last season, Martin’s size at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds is ideal for the middle of a defense. Martin was involved in numerous big plays as a senior, with a pair of interceptions and two forced fumbles in just eight games.

However, there are limitations to his game. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein says that Martin is “slow to diagnose” the play and “lacks feel for blocking schemes,” suggesting that he too often allows offensive linemen to get their hands on him at the second level. He will provide some special teams ability early, however, and has good explosiveness when making tackles, and could find himself in the running for some rotational snaps on defense in time.

Here are several other comments from NFL Draft analysts and Packers media members about the Packers’ selection at 175.

5.175: ILB Kamal Martin, Minnesota