NFL Draft: Commanders Could Fill CB Need on Day 2

Just about everybody agrees the Washington Commanders need to add to their secondary in the NFL Draft, but it doesn't necessarily need to happen on Day 1.

Benjamin St-Juste began his second season training to be the Washington Commanders' slot defender but wound up becoming a strong presence on the perimeter instead.

Moving into his third year it would make sense for the Commanders to keep him outside and build on his previous success while targeting a new slot defender in the upcoming NFL Draft. 

But some still think St-Juste is best served moving back inside while some even believe Washington could actually shift veteran Kendall Fuller to the slot when the situation calls for it. 

This has made cornerback - or defensive back, really - a very popular mock draft target for the Commanders in the first round. 

There are players, however, that carry good value in the second or third rounds and still help Washington fill its roster needs. 

One of them is Illinois Fighting Illini cornerback Jartavius Martin, and someone is bound to 'pound the table' for him as a defensive addition, including one analyst at 33rd Team.

"Martin is getting overshadowed by his college teammate, Devon Witherspoon," says 33rd Team. "But, when you watch him on tape, he plays the slot cornerback (nickel) position with intelligence."

Football IQ is key in defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio's scheme which requires coverage players to be physical at times, but also smart in how they defend their zones and decide whether to follow or pass off an opposing receiver. 

Martin has that intelligence but also brings the physicality that would suit the Commanders' defense well. 

"He has all of the physical attributes you look for," 33rd team continues. "He can run and cover, and is more than willing enough as a hitter."

Like a good amount of the cornerbacks in this year's class, they either list as safeties with nickel ability or slot defenders with free safety potential.

Martin is the latter, and with the departure of veteran safety Bobby McCain, he fills an immediate need for Washington and could contribute in other ways if situations called for them.

Which is all you can ask for from a Day 2 pick in the NFL Draft.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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