There haven't been many bright spots for the Washington Commanders this season. But one veteran who was once questioned is starting to prove people wrong, taking on more responsibilities and thriving.
When he was signed by the New York Jets before the 2022 season, Jacob Martin told the New York Post, “I’m a total football player.” That statement came five months after former NFL scout Daniel Kelly had essentially eviscerated the four-year veteran on Sports Illustrated.
In his story, Kelly referred to Martin as one of the worst run defenders he had ever seen at the defensive end spot.
Run defense has always been the fly in the ointment for Martin. No one has ever doubted his pass-rush talent. But he is a classic tweener in terms of size.
Listed at 6-foot-2 and 242 pounds, Martin would seem to have the physical profile of a linebacker. But his playing style — indeed, his entire football history — screams defensive end. He attacks the line of scrimmage. He does not look nearly as smooth moving laterally or backwards as he does charging forward.
Whether you call him a linebacker or a defensive end — and he has been called both, at times by the same source — the question has followed him. Can a player of his size effectively set the edge against NFL offenses when they run to his side of the field?
Jacob Martin is getting the chance he has always wanted with the Commanders
It appears as if Martin is going to have the remainder of the 2025 season to prove whether he is an every-down defensive end or a pass rush specialist.
Injuries have taken Washington's three legitimate defensive ends. First, it was Deatrich Wise Jr., a veteran brought to the club specifically for his high-level run-stopping. Then it was promising second-year player Javontae Jean-Baptiste. Now, the best of Washington’s defensive ends, Dorance Armstrong Jr., has joined them on the shelf.
The Commanders have brought in an aging Preston Smith and an oft-injured Drake Jackson to bridge the gap. They have promoted Jalyn Holmes, a career backup who is now being asked to play significant snaps. They all at least look the part of a modern 4-3 defensive end, with several inches and at least 20 pounds on Martin.
But against the Kansas City Chiefs, it was Martin who made plays. Two sacks and one additional hit on Patrick Mahomes. It’s the kind of production that general manager Adam Peters was hoping for when he signed the journeyman.
But Kansas City ran for almost 150 yards that night. It certainly didn’t all fall on Martin. After holding up reasonably well in the first half, the entire defense was knocked on its heels after the break. The Chiefs ran equally well to the right and to the left. If the free-agent acquisition was a problem, he was one of many.
In fact, Martin looks to be playing bigger than his listed weight of 242 pounds. He has said in the past that he usually plays in the 250-pound range, and the eye test suggests he may be up around 255. That by itself doesn’t mean he will turn into a stout edge setter, but it should help.
Regardless of his size, Martin still looks at his best when chasing down ball carriers from an off position. The same traits that make him a good pass rusher also serve him well when he pursues runners. He has excellent bend and adequate strength to fight off blockers. His closing speed is borderline elite.
Martin’s relative lack of size is not an issue when he is attacking a retreating offensive tackle in a pass set. The question is whether he can stand up to the same tackle who is drive blocking or a pulling guard coming at him with a head of steam. So far, the results are mixed.
Back in 2022, Martin did not get a chance to show he was a complete football player with the Jets. Despite reasonable pass rush production, New York traded him to the Denver Broncos for a fourth-round draft pick midway through the campaign. It was the second time he had been traded in his five-year career.
Since then, Martin has played on one-year contracts for the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears before joining the Commanders. He is still looking for a home and is looking to make good on that 2022 statement about being a complete football player. He may never get a better chance than the one he has right now.