Unpacking Future Packers: No. 58, Illinois DB Jartavius “Quan” Martin

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could possibly be chosen by the Inexperienced Bay Packers within the 2023 NFL draft.

Devon Witherspoon and Sydney Brown have each been within the media highlight lately. Witherspoon, the Illinois cornerback, could possibly be the primary cornerback off the board within the 2023 NFL Draft. Brown, the versatile Illinois defensive again’s draft inventory appears to have skyrocketed after a robust exhibiting throughout Senior Bowl week.

The opposite member of that gifted secondary is Jartavius “Quan” Martin. The Illinois defensive again could possibly be a possible goal for the Inexperienced Bay Packers as they appear to enhance the security place this offseason. 

“The benefit of him is that he has labored at so many spots,” Bob Asmussen, the Illinois soccer beat author for the Champaign Information-Gazette stated. “However I believe free security can be his finest match. He performed with first-round cornerback Devon Witherspoon and was additionally pushed by Sydney Brown. That group was tight-knit and decided to make the others higher.”

Throughout his first season on campus, Martin recorded 42 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, and 6 sacks. Over the subsequent two seasons, Martin recorded two tackles for loss and two cross deflections. In 2021, Martin recorded 55 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and eight cross deflections. This previous season, Martin recorded 64 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions, and 14 cross deflections. 

“He was a linchpin,” Asmussen stated. “A key to the staff’s success within the secondary and defensively total. He was second on the staff in tackles, so he was extremely productive. Illinois doesn’t win eight video games with out him.”

Martin lined up all around the secondary throughout his five-year profession at Illinois. He performed on the boundary, performed security, and logged 924 snaps within the slot over the previous two seasons. 

“Quan by no means met a place or a problem he didn’t like,” Asmussen stated. “He tailored to the teaching change from Lovie Smith to Bret Bielema and acquired higher beneath former defensive coordinator Ryan Walters (now the pinnacle coach at Purdue) and Aaron Henry. He’s a playmaker. His three picks appeared to come back in massive moments.” 

Jim Nagy, the chief director of the Senior Bowl stated that he believes Martin is without doubt one of the most versatile defensive backs within the draft.

“Quan, to me, is without doubt one of the most versatile DBs on this yr’s draft. The flexibility to play nickel, free security, perhaps even some outdoors nook…That chess piece means…He’s going to fill a number of roles.”

Martin is a fluid athlete. The versatile defensive again has the short-area quickness, fast toes, and swivel hips to man the slot place on the subsequent degree. As a single-high security, Martin covers quite a lot of actual property. He exhibits good route recognition. When the ball is within the air, Martin showcases satisfactory ball expertise. 

“He didn’t have as many photographs at interceptions this season as teammate Sydney Brown, who was among the many nationwide leaders,” Asmussen stated. “Illinois beneath Lovie Smith emphasised takeaways and continued that pattern with Bret Bielema. The Illini spent quite a lot of time on the basics of taking part in within the secondary and ball expertise are an vital a part of it.”

When the ball arrives, Martin is fast to get his man to the bottom, not often giving up any yards after the catch.

In run assist, Martin doesn’t play along with his hair on fireplace like his teammate Brown. He has good pursuit pace and does a very good job of avoiding pace bumps. When he arrives, he’s not a heavy hitter, however he’s a dependable tackler. The Illinois defensive again was flagged with simply seven missed tackles over the previous two seasons.

“He appears to be strong,” Asmussen stated. “He likes contact and was used on blitzes. He has a excessive variety of quarterback hurries for a defensive again.”

Except for the flexibility that he would convey to a secondary, Martin additionally brings particular groups worth. Throughout his time at Illinois, Martin logged 314 snaps on particular groups. 

Match with the Packers

Adrian Amos is ready to be a free agent. That leaves Darnell Savage Jr as the one security on the roster with any notable expertise. The Packers want to deal with the security place this offseason, regardless if Amos is re-signed or not. 

Together with his means to put on a number of hats, Martin might make for a horny choice. Martin can play the slot, which might permit the Packers to play Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes on the boundary. This may liberate the Packers to experiment with taking part in Rasul Doulgas at security. 

One other chance is that they draft Martin and play him at free security and let Savage man the slot place. In that situation, the Packers might nonetheless strive Douglas at security and have Stokes, and Alexander on the boundary with Savage within the slot. 

The extra a participant can do, the higher, and Martin is able to taking part in a number of roles. On prime of that, he could possibly be a direct contributor on particular groups. 

“He has performed quite a lot of high quality soccer within the Massive Ten with two coaches with NFL expertise,” Asmussen stated. “Lovie Smith acquired him getting in the best path and Bielema helped make him higher and extra pro-ready. To me, he has the power to play within the league for a few years.”