Saints Can Rebuild Slot Position With Illinois Defensive Back Jartavius Martin

The Saints had great success with a former 'STAR' nickel safety in 2019, maybe they can reprise that success in this year's NFL Draft.

Not a lot of attention has been placed on defensive back when it comes tot he New Orleans Saints and their 2023 NFL Draft needs. They seem pretty well-set on the outside with cornerback Marshon Lattimore as their cornerstone player accompanied by impressive young talent in Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor. The safety room has been addressed multiple times this offseason after the team signed veterans Ugo Amadi, Lonnie Johnson Jr., and Jonathan Abrams. 

But the nickel spot is falling back to the hands of 9-year defensive back Bradley Roby who appeared in just 13 games last season. While Roby did play well in 2022 allowing just a 53.7% completion rate when targeted and holding opposing passers to a 79.4 passer rating. But at 31 years old and only two years left on his deal, a succession plan at the position is necessary. That is where Illinois defensive back Jartavius "Quan" Martin comes in.

Sep 22, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Jartavius Martin (21) is congratulated by teammates after making an interception in the end zone against the Chattanooga Mocs during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Listed as the third safety in this year's class by The Athletic's Dane Brugler, Martin's stock is on the rise heading into draft week. He has NFL size for his position at 5-foot-11 and 194 pounds and packs a ton of speed and explosiveness. His 44-inch vertical leap and 11-foot-1 broad jump were both best among all safeties at the NFL Scouting Combine. 

While his 4.46 40-yard dash time did not break into the 4.3-range we are accustomed to seeing at the position these days, the time is reminiscent of a Saints fan-favorite from recent past: C.J. Gardner-Johnson. And the comparisons go beyond just speed. Perhaps the most notable similarity between the two is what they were asked to do in their collegiate schemes.

Both players were deployed in their respective defenses playing the "STAR" role. STAR is a hybrid safety/linebacker position that asks safeties to both operate against the run and carry slot receivers and tight ends in coverage. It is the key to a successful 4-2-5 nickel defense, which the Saints' often run as their base. Both Gardner-Johnson and Martin performed extremely well in this role. After seeing one succeed in head coach Dennis Allen's defense, it is hard to imagine the other would not.

Oct 15, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Jartavius Martin (21) intercepts the ball intended for Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Michael Brown-Stephens (22) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Martin took 1,012 snaps from the slot according to Pro Football Focus from 2018 to 2022 with the Fighting Illini. Gardner-Johnson took 796 during his three seasons with the Florida Gators. 

Despite taking more snaps and seeing more targets in this comparison, Martin's numbers hold up extremely well to his possible New Orleans Saints predecessor. The Illinois safety was targeted 203 times but let up just a 58.3%. completion percentage and an 88.4 passer rating with only five penalties in his collegiate career. While those marks come in lower than Gardner-Johnson's, they are more than respectable and one element has a drastic improvement: tackling.

Gardner-Johnson left Florida with a 25% missed tackle rate with 41 total misses. Martin carries with him only 25 total missed tackles with a rate of just 10.1%. With all signs pointing towards the Saints moving forward without defensive back P.J. Williams, Martin would be quality depth that could quickly compete as a potential starter as well.

Sep 17, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Jartavius Martin (21) deflects a pass intended for Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Rakim Jarrett (5) in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Cutting on Martin's tape comes with a lot of reason to trust his transition to the NFL will be smooth. He's a sound tackler, is calm under pressure and plays with a confidence the Saints love in their defensive backs. He moves well in short areas, fights through congestion and has great hands for a defensive back, bringing ball skills back to the New Orleans defense. 

The Saints barely out-intercepted Gardner-Johnson as a team in 2022. Having more takeaways through the air is a must for this defense and Martin has a track record for getting it done. He finished his college career with 30 passes defensed and 7 interceptions. Three of those picks came in 2022. 

Great eye discipline by Illinois Safety/Nickel Jartavius Martin. “If there’s space you must chase”

Was beat but didn’t panic. Worked to the receiver AND THEN got his head around. Capitalized on underthrown ball but put himself in position to make a play on the ball regardless. pic.twitter.com/KV6C5Aycdl

— Eric Crocker 🥷🏾 (@Crocky209) April 23, 2023

Martin also has the versatility to play a split safety or deep safety role as well thanks to his rangy play style when away from the line of scrimmage. All that to say that he is a surprisingly complete defensive back. He also has plus character traits along with being selected as team captain in 2022. Both elements the Saints scouting staff values highly.

Martin is widely projected as a top-100 prospect, some have him top-75. That means if New Orleans wants to land their future at one of their most important defensive positions, they may have to do so when on the clock at 71 overall in the third round. But it is no mystery that the Saints love to move around in the draft for guys they like and that they will go out and get the ones they believe in regardless of draft projections.