Noah Igbinoghene - Commanders CB
Things looked bleak for the Washington Commanders' cornerback unit once upon a time this season. Those in power strengthened the ranks through free agency and the draft. It took some tinkering from defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. to fit all the pieces together effectively.
This unit has come on encouragingly as the season's gone on. The acquisition of four-time Pro Bowl corner Marshon Lattimore is a huge help, but Washington faces an anxious wait regarding his status moving forward after he aggravated his hamstring issue versus the Philadelphia Eagles.
There's been a lot to like about the way Noah Igbinoghene's improved since Week 1. Moving him into the slot and placing rookie second-rounder Mike Sainristil on the outside was a calculated risk that paid off handsomely. The Commanders have been much more assured with this formula. It's also seen the former first-round pick enjoy a career renaissance of sorts.
It's easy to forget that Igbinoghene just turned 25 years old. The defensive back has his best football ahead of him and earned the respect of Dan Quinn and Whitt — a relationship that began with the Dallas Cowboys last season.
Providing there are no major hiccups for the player in the coming weeks, the Commanders should offer him an extension. Whether that's a one-year arrangement or something longer-term remains to be seen, but the Auburn product is deserving of either.
Quan Martin - Commanders S
Adam Peters didn't think too much about Ron Rivera's draft choices throughout his time at the helm. All of the former head coach's first-round picks are gone. Several chosen in the remaining rounds have also been made surplus to requirements under the new regime. That's a damning indictment of personnel evaluation over the last four years.
Quan Martin could have been forgiven for feeling a little apprehensive regarding his long-term outlook heading into the season. The 2023 second-round pick flashed as a slot cornerback last time out. Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. immediately switched him to the safety spot, which is where he starred in college at Illinois.
Much like the situation with Jeremy Chinn, it's not been entirely smooth sailing for Martin. His coverage awareness must improve with additional experience. But his hard-hitting, physical support against the run represents a solid platform from which to build.
The Commanders could stand pat at the safety position with their two starters this offseason. Chinn and Martin look like a potentially dynamic tandem in their first season together. Seeing if this can evolve further in the coming years wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.