DB QUAN MARTIN, WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Quan Martin is readying for a big role in his second season in the NFL. The 2023 second-round pick played just 17 defensive snaps through the first eight games of his rookie season for the Washington Commanders, but Martin played 348 snaps over the final nine games, which included five starts, and is the projected starter at free safety for the Commanders for first-year head coach Dan Quinn. Martin finished the season with 28 tackles, four pass deflections and two interceptions. He earned a 65.4 PFF overall grade and allowed 22 receptions on 26 targets for 285 yards and two touchdowns. Martin enters the second year of a four-year, $7.6 million rookie contract.

DL JER’ZHAN NEWTON, WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Jer’Zhan Newton was one of the most dominant defenders in college football during the last two seasons, but a foot injury contributed to a slide to the second round (No. 36 overall). And injuries also have contributed to a delay in his NFL debut. After missing most of the offseason as he recovered from foot surgery, Newton is dealing with another injury, Commanders coach Dan Quinn said, so he didn’t play in a preseason game. Newton has the talent to contribute immediately, but Washington has two high-caliber defensive tackles in Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. But once healthy, he should crack the rotation and contribute quickly.