Commanders DB Quan Martin: All-Rookie Season Incoming?

The Washington Commanders targeted defensive back Quan Martin in the second round as part of a dual-defender strategy along with Emmanuel Forbes, and it turns out Martin is viewed quite highly by NFL.com.

The Washington Commanders stunned a lot of people when they went back-to-back secondary picks in the NFL Draft. 

By adding cornerback Emmanuel Forbes in the first round, and defensive back Quan Martin in the second, the Commanders sent a clear signal that good defense wasn’t good enough. 

Washington wants takeaways, and it wants them now. 

While some are still concerned the team may have reached on Forbes, Martin is getting preseason praise as a name to watch for postseason honors according to NFL.com’s All-Rookie Team projection. 

“Martin slides into the Commanders’ nickel spot, challenging slot receivers with his quick feet and tenacity,” says NFL.com. “He can be an effective blitzed, as well, and will handle his run responsibilities from the get-go.”

While Forbes didn’t make this early list of potential All-Rookie Team members, cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez (New England Patriots) and Tyrique Stevenson (Chicago Bears) did. 

If you remember, Gonzalez is the Oregon Ducks prospects most assumed the Commanders would bring aboard after he fell to them at pick No. 16. 

Instead, Washington went with Forbes and Gonzalez landed with the New England Patriots one pick later. 

“Gonzalez will likely give up some plays in the Patriots’ man-heavy scheme,” says NFL.com. “But I suspect he’ll also grab multiple interceptions as a rookie.”

If the Commanders get the blend of athleticism, football intelligence, and versatility they’re expecting from Martin and the ball hawking ability they targeted from Forbes, then we can expect multiple interceptions from two DMV rookies this season. 

And if Washington gets that, it may also get two All-Rookie Team members, even if NFL.com doesn’t foresee it happening the way most of us didn’t see this duo coming in the first place.

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

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