5 Commanders offseason decisions in 2023 that already look like a disaster

Commanders drafted Quan Martin

As with K.J. Henry, defensive back Quan Martin may prove me wrong and turn out to be a dynamic player. The Washington Commanders' coaches certainly speak highly of him. But this is a second-round draft pick we are talking about.

In the very early days, Martin didn’t show very much. Hopefully, when the former Illinois star is fully healthy, he will begin making plays.

But look at what the Commanders could have done. O’Cyrus Torrence was just sitting there waiting for the phone to ring in Round No. 2. That’s the same rookie guard who just helped the Buffalo Bills control the Commanders' vaunted defensive line.

Torrence was a Day 1 starter who will probably be there for many years to come. He is a natural guard. He has more raw power than any interior lineman on the Commanders. If he had been drafted, he would be playing right guard and Sam Cosmi would be free to move around, and eventually get a real test at offensive tackle.

What would Washington look like without Martin? We’ve been watching that already.

Martin has been in and out of the lineup with injuries so far. He was slotted to assume the role Bobby McCain played last year, but so far, second-year man Percy Butler has been handling those duties.

I think Martin will eventually prove to be better in this role, but remember – this is a second-round pick we are talking about. The Commanders could have gotten more immediate bang for their buck in a position of greater need.