The Washington Commanders finished Day 2 of the 2023 NFL draft by picking two players at positions of need.
After selecting Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes in the first round, Washington doubled down, taking Illinois cornerback Jartavius Martin in the second round Friday. Finally, the Commanders added help on the offensive line by selecting Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg.
We here at Commanders Wire graded each pick.
How did others view Washington’s Day 2 haul?
John Keim of ESPN offers analysis on both picks
On Martin:
Washington needed to restock its defensive backfield, particularly at corner where it lacked depth — but has now selected two corners in the first two rounds. It’s a somewhat curious move by a team that has some other holes, but Washington entered wanting to focus on adding more talent, not just filling holes. Martin, who goes by “Quan”, offers versatility because he can play in the slot as well as at safety — a role filled by Bobby McCain last season before Washington cut McCain him in the offseason. Martin is considered a good slot corner. The team’s first-round pick, Forbes, will play on the outside.
Will he start as a rookie? Washington’s philosophy is that its first- and second-round picks should come in and start. That means Martin should become their starting nickel corner. But that also means the Commanders could have some decisions to make at corner. Veteran Fuller, entering the last year of his contract, has started here for the past three seasons. The Commanders would save $8.5 million if they cut him. Washington also has St-Juste who can start on the outside. Regardless, Washington has added talent and speed to its secondary in the first two picks. Now it must focus on finding help elsewhere.
On Stromberg:
Washington needed more help on the offensive line, so taking Stromberg is a good move. But they signed Nick Gates in free agency to play center (although he can play guard). Though Stromberg can also play guard — he played both guard spots in addition to center at Arkansas — his best spot appears to be center. So, it’s possible he just adds depth right now more than instant help. But the Commanders desperately needed to add more young bodies along the line. They really only have one starting job — left guard — up for grabs. But it’s possible Stromberg or even Gates could end up there if others fail to win the job.
Will he start as a rookie? That’s really hard to say because Stromberg does offer some versatility as do others up front. But his addition could mean the end for veteran Chase Roullier. The one-time starting center has ended the past two seasons on injured reserve. After signing Gates and drafting Stromberg, it’s hard to know where Roullier fits. Washington would save $4.32 million if it cut Roullier. The Commanders also have veteran guard Andrew Norwell, but it’s also hard to see where he fits. The Commanders also have Saahdig Charles and Chris Paul to compete at guard. Releasing Norwell, which seems likely, would save Washington $2.28 million against the cap.
Bleacher Report
Clearly, the Washington Commanders have 1) prioritized upgrades to their secondary and 2) targeted very specific talents.
With the selection of Emmanuel Forbes in the first round, the team went against the consensus for someone the organization thinks best fits the system. Brian Branch, who was the class’ top safety prospect, came off the board two picks earlier. Still, the Commanders stuck at safety and chose Martin.
Despite a top-four pass defense last season, Washington understood it could still upgrade portions of the roster.
Grade: C
On Stromberg:
NFL.com
Analysis: The Commanders added another member to its secondary in Round 2, selecting a nickel defender in Martin to pair with first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes. Martin excelled against the run and pass last season in an Illini secondary loaded with seniors. Washington used its third-round compensatory selection on Stromberg, who has the anchor and upper-body flexibility to be a solid starter in the league.
PFF
Martin comes off the board 47th overall to Washington after slotting in at 94th on the PFF big board. He can fill a versatile role in the secondary for the Commanders, who clearly placed an emphasis on improving that group in this draft. He played everywhere from outside corner to slot corner to safety in his five-year career at Illinois.
Pick grade: Below average
Stromberg:
Stromberg could wind up as a starter anywhere on the interior in the NFL, but this is one of the biggest reaches of the day. He ranks 228th on the PFF big board. He did grade well in college, though, producing an 83.4 PFF run-blocking grade and a 77.1 PFF pass-blocking grade.
Pick grade: Below average
CBS Sports
Long, explosive, agile safety with a complete game. Finds the ball well in the air. Strong, assertive tackler. Can play multiple roles. Body control is awesome too.
Grade: B+
On Stromberg:
Masher who’s athletic and can grow roots in pass pro. Run-blocking is solid but balance is a major concern. Has starter upside if he gets stronger.
Grade: B-
