If the Washington Commanders want to reach the meteoric heights achieved last season again, everyone must improve. And some players have wasted no time making a bigger impression on the squad when the time came to lock in.
That's exactly what the Commanders had in mind. Adam Peters and Dan Quinn wanted to raise standards by improving their options on the playing personnel. Competition breeds success. It makes everyone better, and every member of the roster knows that good performances will be rewarded by those in power.
Peters and Quinn got some useful hints throughout Washington's offseason program. Some established figures came to the fore as expected. Some are still facing an uphill battle despite their best efforts. And a select few are quickly becoming undeniable after a rousing contribution so far.
It all adds to the fascination before training camp and preseason games roll around. Until then, here are five Commanders players who went from overlooked to unbreakable this offseason.
Commanders who went from overlooked to unbreakable this offseason
Quan Martin - Commanders S
Nobody associated with the Washington Commanders underestimated Quan Martin. The talented safety's outstanding performances went relatively unnoticed league-wide. However, there's a growing sense that could change with another step forward in 2025.
The Commanders took their time with Martin over early workouts. But the flashes displayed by the former second-round selection suggest a big campaign from the alpha role on the backend is well within his capabilities.
Martin is the top dog in Washington's safety room now. The Commanders let Jeremy Chinn walk for the Las Vegas Raiders, which remains a contentious issue among the fan base. Will Harris came in to replace the Southern Illinois product. Percy Butler, Jeremy Reaves, and Tyler Owens are expected to fill the backup roles.
This unit will go as far as Martin takes them. He demonstrated promise as a nickel cornerback during his rookie campaign. Once Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. moved him back to the position where he starred at Illinois, the benefits were evident.
The fact that Martin performed so well last season was immensely encouraging. And considering he did all this after suffering two separated shoulders throughout the campaign makes it all the more pleasing.
Perhaps most telling is how the mainstream media is starting to take notice of Martin. He's a regular figure in potential breakout lists, which will be the primary goal next season as the Commanders look to make the defensive improvements needed to dethrone the Philadelphia Eagles.
If this mission is accomplished, Martin will become Ron Rivera's most impressive draft pick outside of Sam Cosmi.