Quan Martin - Commanders S
Ron Rivera made a lot of draft mistakes during his four-year tenure. None of his first-round selections are still around after general manager Adam Peters' roster regeneration. But the former head coach did leave one or two valuable contributors behind.
Quan Martin is one of them. The dynamic defensive back spent his rookie campaign as a slot cornerback and flashed promise. When two shrewd defensive minds — Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. — came into the organization, things took off for the Illinois product.
Martin was immediately moved back to the safety position. This is where he's best suited and where he shone at the collegiate level. It's not been perfect all the time, but there's been far more good than bad regarding his overall contribution.
As all good players do, Martin's risen to the occasion during the playoffs. He was nothing short of outstanding in the second half of Washington's win at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round. He followed this up with arguably his most impressive performance to date at the Detroit Lions.
Martin was always around the action. He got involved at the defensive second level and made his presence felt in coverage support on the backend. This was no more evident than his interception in the first half that he took for a touchdown.
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
The Commanders' picking Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft was franchise-altering. It's seen them go from perennial strugglers to a leading Super Bowl challenger in a few short months. Others deserve credit, but having a productive quarterback changes everything.
Daniels takes nothing for granted. He focuses on the next challenge and nothing more. There is no reveling in adulation or getting too ahead of himself. His fierce desire to be the best and help this team quickly became the driving force behind Washington's renaissance.
There is no moment too big for Daniels. His poise, precision, and ability to come through in the clutch astounded everyone. Even in a hostile environment at Ford Field, the former LSU sensation didn't flinch.
One could make a strong case for Daniels being the league's most exceptional performer during the playoffs. He's calm amid the chaos, always delivering for his squad. Everyone associated with the Commanders thinks they have a chance with his presence under center.
This is just the start for Daniels. His exceptional gifts stand the test of time in the NFL. Once the Commanders improve their supporting cast, there's just no telling what this franchise will accomplish.
Daniels is a superstar. And he'll be eager to add another chapter or two to this Cinderella story in the coming weeks.