Illinois Football: Washington Commanders select Quan Martin in the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft continues to heat up for the Illinois football program, as another player will be playing on Sundays.

Day one was a huge success for the Illini, as Devon Witherspoon went with the No. 5 pick to the Seattle Seahawks. Day two was projected to be another solid day for the Orange and Blue, and things are unfolding beautifully.

As expected, another Illinois defensive back is now off the board. With the No. 47 pick, the Washington Commanders selected safety, Quan Martin. This kid can play more than just safety at the next level, and that is why he is looked at as such a hot commodity in this draft.

The Washington Commanders are getting an experienced player at various positions in former Illinois football defensive back Quan Martin

Out of the three defensive backs for the Illini getting selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Martin was the highest-rated coming out of Lehigh Senior High School in Florida. He was rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 1495 player in the class of 2018.

Much like the other two Illinois defensive backs, there wasn’t much recruiting attention around Martin. Illinois was his biggest offer, and he would pledge his commitment to the Orange and Blue.

Also like the other two defensive backs, Martin was thrown into action from day one. He would have, I believe, 40 starts for Illinois, and he was positioned all over the field on numerous occasions. Martin is a jack of all trades.

Martin’s senior season in 2022 was his best for the Illini. He would finish with 64 tackles, 11 pass deflections, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one sack.

The Commanders is now getting this talented defensive back. I fully expect to see Martin in the NFL for years to come. He is someone who is willing to do whatever it takes for the team to win, which he has shown in the past. This was a great pick by a franchise that needed secondary help.