Illinois Football: Former Illini projected on NFL All-Rookie Defensive Team

Illinois football had a handful of players picked in the 2023 NFL Draft and even more signed as undrafted free agents.

I would say it was a successful offseason for the Illini when it comes to the professional ranks. I haven’t even mentioned the fact that Reggie Corbin is tearing it up in the USFL.

In the NFL, though, there are numerous rookies who could make a difference for their team. Illinois had Devon Witherspoon picked with the No. 5 overall selection. He is the obvious choice for the potential of an Illini player to make the All-Rookie Team in 2023.

On Tuesday, Chad Reuter of NFL.com published a list of his projected All-Rookie Defense. One Illinois football player did make the team, but it wasn’t Witherspoon.

Some of the biggest names in the 2023 NFL Draft were listed. Jalen Carter is at defensive tackle. Jack Campbell is at linebacker. When you get down to the secondary, you will find Quan Martin listed at the nickel spot.

Former Illinois football defensive back Quan Martin could have a big year with the Washington Commanders

Martin wasn’t the first Illinois player off the board, but he is getting some preseason recognition for the potential impact he can have on the Washington Commanders.

With the No. 16 pick in the second round, the Commanders chose the talented Illinois defensive back. In his final season with the Illini, Martin would finish with 64 tackles, 11 pass deflections, 3.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 interceptions, and 2.0 forced fumbles.

In an updated depth chart produced by ESPN, Martin is slotted in as the backup at free safety. He is projected behind Darrick Forrest, who was a fifth-round pick by the Commanders in 2021. Forrest had a good sophomore campaign, amassing 88 tackles, 9.0 pass deflections, and 4.0 interceptions.

Martin will provide some impressive depth for an already good Washington pass defense. The Commanders gave up 191.3 yards per game through the air in 2022, which ranked No. 4 in the NFL. With the addition of Martin who knows, maybe they become the best team in the league in pass coverage. This was a great landing spot for him.