Dante Fowler Jr. - Commanders OLB
Dante Fowler Jr.'s arrival in free agency came with mixed reviews. The Washington Commanders were expected to utilize him in a rotational role and nothing more. His previous connection to Dan Quinn throughout a rollercoaster NFL journey allowed him to make a seamless transition.
Fowler quickly emerged as the team's most prolific pass-rusher. The Commanders picked and chose their spots with the veteran exceptionally well. His on-field production and relentless effort went down extremely well with the fanbase.
The former first-round selection has 10.5 sacks on the season, which is more than even the brightest optimist envisaged before the campaign. Fowler accumulated 43 pressures as a result of his efforts and came up with two big sacks in consecutive weeks versus the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons. Quinn trusts him fully to come through in the highest stakes.
Considering how others in the edge-rushing room have struggled to make an impression, Fowler's ability to produce the goods represented a significant boost. That won't stop the Commanders from finding alternatives this offseason, but the chances of him sticking around on another extension are high all things considered.
Quan Martin - Commanders S
The draft picks made throughout Ron Rivera's four-year tenure are few and far between these days. Most high-end choices have been waived or traded. Those taken further down the order were cast aside with little fanfare attached. Very few look capable of carving out a successful career for themselves under the new regime.
Quan Martin is one of them.
The safety took time to adjust within new defensive schematic concepts implemented by Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. The former second-round pick overcame some early jitters and gradually progressed. His performances over Washington's final few outings represent the most consistent run of his professional career to date.
This centers on being physical and more disciplined. Martin's positional sense came on significantly throughout the campaign. It was always going to take time to form a new safety partnership on the backend with Jeremy Chinn. The duo is starting to see the fruits of their labor in recent weeks.
Martin's athletic attributes are emerging as a tremendous scheme fit. The Illinois product looks comfortable and is growing as a pro. There is more development needed, but the defensive back is on the right track.