Commanders Getting 'Tough, Smart, Dependable Player' in Rookie Quan Martin

The Washington Commanders drafted defensive back Jartavius "Quan" Martin from Illinois in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Washington Commanders got a versatile chess piece for their defense by taking Illinois defensive back Jartavius "Quan" Martin with the No. 47 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Martin played all of the defense in his collegiate career. Along with his versatility, Martin said Washington is getting a player they can rely on in an interview with former Commanders cornerback Fred Smoot that was published on the team's YouTube Channel. 

"Tough, smart and dependable player," Martin said. "A guy who loves the game, a guy who is going to go out there and do whatever it takes to help the team win and try to get the ball back to the offense."

The well-rounded defensive back had a career-high 64 tackles, 11 pass breakups and two forced fumbles in 2022. Martin also had three sacks and three tackles-for-loss plus one sack. 

Martin was recruited to Illinois by Lovie Smith, who was a head coach for the Chicago Bears (2004-2012), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014-2015), and most recently, the Houston Texans (2022). Smith was Illinois' head coach from 2016 to 2020. 

With Martin's time with Smith as his head coach, he said he has familiarity playing within a pro scheme which has helped him acclimate with the Commanders. 

"It was great," Martin said. "Learning from an NFL mindset coach and him having the experience in the league, he just taught us the game and got me prepared for this moment." 

Martin said he will primarily play nickelback to begin his career in Washington.  

The Commanders defense was eighth in points allowed per game (20.2) in 2022. If Martin's versatility translates to the pro ranks and first-round cornerback Emmanuel Forbes lives up to expectations, a strong Washington defense may reach another level in 2023. 

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