3 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders 2024 minicamp

Winner No. 2

Quan Martin - Commanders DB

It would be understandable to sum up Quan Martin's impressive minicamp with one moment. This scarcely believable and physics defying interception.

Yet, as impressive as it was, focusing on this particular mix of circus-like juggling and acrobatics alone, would mean shortchanging the more subtle, overall progress Martin has made.

His progress included spending most of his time with Jeremy Chinn as starting safeties. The former second-round pick of the Carolina Panthers is a viable breakout candidate in head coach Dan Quinn's schemes as a hybrid linebacker and defensive back. But Martin's upside shouldn't be understated.

Not when he's capable of playing outside cornerback, in the slot, or even as a box safety. Zeroing in on a specific role should still be on Martin's to-do list, but his knack for getting his hands on the ball is exciting, no matter where he lines up.

Martin snatched a pair of interceptions and broke up four passes as a rookie, despite playing on a defense beset by uncertainty at both the schematic and personnel levels. The arrival of Quinn and coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. means the Commanders are streamlining what was an overly complex unit under predecessors Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio.

Neither Quinn nor Whitt are afraid to move players around. However, the remit remains straightforward. Swarm to the ball and force takeaways.

A more aggressive scheme is good news for a natural ball hawk like Martin. So is a deeper defensive line group Quinn will freely rotate onto the field to put heat on the pocket in waves. More pressure up front, allied with increased opportunism on the backend, is a combination for strong defense that never goes out of fashion.

Martin is already playing his way into fulfilling one part of the combination. He's also making it easier to forget about losing Kamren Curl in free agency.

Although Martin's delivering, it's becoming increasingly difficult to overlook the struggles faced by another prominent member of Washington's secondary.