The Washington Commanders will start their rookie minicamp Friday. However, one of their prized draft picks will not be a part of practices. According to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post, second-round pick defensive back Jartavius Quan Martin has an excused absence to deal with a personal matter.
Martin expected to rejoin the team next week for Phase 2 of the camp.
Washington has high expectations for Martin. After selecting cornerback Emmanuel Forbes in the first round, the Commanders made it back-to-back defensive backs picks by selecting Martin out of Illinois 47th overall.
Martin is a safety-cornerback hybrid. He can line up just about anywhere on the defense. But expectations are he will be in the slot as a nickel corner.
The sense from the Commanders that there is little concern about Martin’s absence. Martin will have plenty of time to get acclimated with defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio’s scheme. Still, Martin’s versatility will allow him to be heavily involved in the defense.
His numbers as a senior last season show how involved he can be. In 13 games, Martin had 64 tackles, three tackles for losses, one sack, three interceptions, 11 pass defense, and two forced fumbles.
