Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers: Who will shine on defense in 2017?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

Hunter Noll/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone

The Green Bay Packers defense was a weak point last season, but they're hoping to change in 2017. So, who will shine for that unit this year?

Even on a bad defense, a few players tend to shine bright. In 2016, that was the case for the Green Bay Packers. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Nick Perry seemed to be the two players who stood out the most on the defensive side of the ball.

In 2017, the Packers defense looks to improve. And with that, some new names will stick out by the end of the year. The obvious choices would be Clinton-Dix and Perry again, or maybe veteran star Clay Matthews. Rookie cornerback Kevin King could make some noise as well.

There are two names that were on the Packers roster last season that are in a great position to stand out in 2017, though. Blake Martinez and Damarious Randall both seem to be in positions to succeed.

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Martinez put together an incredible impressive rookie season in 2016. The linebacker picked up 69 tackles, one sack, four pass deflections, and one interception on the year. He should see more time in 2017, leading to better stats.

The linebacker will also have a better support cast. While linebackers like Martinez are known for their versatility, having players around you never hurts. With an improved role, and an improved support-system, Martinez is set for a breakout year in 2017.

Randall looked good as a rookie in 2015. There were some holes in his game, but nothing experience couldn't fix. 2016 was a major step back for the cornerback, though. He only appeared in 10 games, and wasn't very effective in a number of them.

2017 has a better feel though. With the Packers additions this offseason, Randall's role will look different this year. He won't have such high-profile assignments all the time, and that should help him improve in certain areas.

Learning on the job is one thing, but Randall was thrown into the fire in 2016. With a slightly diminished role (or at least some more help) in 2017, Randall should bring back the excitement that he came with his name in 2015. The Packers defense might not be elite, but they'll improve in 2017. Look for Martinez and Randall to play major roles in that happening.