Martini has a chance to compete for Green Bay

Earlier this week, the Green Bay Packers signed Notre Dame inside linebacker Greer Martini. A quick look at the depth chart shows that Martini has a chance to compete for time for the Packers.

Greer Martini had nothing short of a remarkable career at Notre Dame. When he came to Notre Dame as a freshman in 2014, it seemed likely that Martini would have a nice career in South Bend. That certainly proved true.

According to his profile on Notre Dame’s official website, as a freshman, Martini played in all 13 games and garnered starts against Navy and USC. He also was one of only four true freshman to start a game on defense that season. Nyles Morgan, Drue Tranquill, and Andrew Trumbetti were the others.

In all, Martini logged 191 total tackels (14.5 of which came as tackles for loss), 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception in his career at Notre Dame. He will go down as one of Notre Dame’s most dependable defensive players in recent memory.

Now on to the NFL, Martini will have a chance to compete for playing time for the Green Bay Packers. The Packers list a few inside linebackers on their roster, but only a few have legitimate NFL experience.

The Packers, who play a 3-4 scheme, are anchored at inside linebacker by Jake Ryan and Blake Martinez at the starting inside backer positions. Behind them, however, there are positions up for grabs on the depth chart.

The Packers added Oren Burks out of Vanderbilt in the third round of this year’s NFL Draft. They also have former Oklahoma safety prospect Ahmad Thomas listed, as well as a variety of other undrafted free agents.

Given their defensive scheme, the Packers figure to keep 4-5 inside backers on their roster. With his high football IQ–something that was one of his major strengths at Notre Dame–and his willingness to be a reliable standout on special teams, Martini has a shot at garnering one of those spots.

Next: Irish in the NFL: Fuller Poised for breakout 2018

Martini joins former teammates Equanimeous St. Brown and DeShone Kizer in Green Bay. Both were acquired by the Packers this offseason.