Packers Host High-Rising Defensive Back on Predraft Visit

Jartavius “Quan” Martin followed a big-time final season at Illinois with a big-time Scouting Combine.

Author:
Bill Huber
Updated:
Apr 19, 2023 8:53 AM EDT
Original:
Apr 19, 2023

In this story:

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Jartavius Martin, the high-impact, high-athleticism safety from Illinois, had a predraft visit with the Green Bay Packers last week, a source said in confirming a report by Aaron Wilson.

Quan Martin – he goes by his middle name – made a lot of money over the last several months. As a fifth-year senior for the Illini, Martin had three interceptions, 14 passes defensed and two forced fumbles. That’s a lot of ball production. Along with his team-leading 51 solo tackles, he was second-team all-Big Ten.

Next, at 5-foot-11 and 194 pounds, Martin dominated his Scouting Combine workout with 4.46 speed in the 40 and a 44-inch vertical jump. His Relative Athletic Score, the 0-to-10 figure based on all the measurables, was 9.29.

“My speed, man,” Martin said when asked what he wanted to show at the Combine. “I feel like that’s kind of been a question going around. I’m very confident in what I’ll run, so just showcase my speed, my ability, my agility. Just being able to jump high and run fast.”

Martin would be a superb fit for the Packers on a couple fronts.

Jartavius "Quan" Martin (USA Today Sports Images)

One, he’s incredibly versatile. Of his 791 defensive snaps in 2022, 493 came from the slot and 177 came at free safety, according to Pro Football Focus. However, at the Senior Bowl, most of his playing time in the game came at cornerback.

"I'm comfortable in both spots," Martin said at the Senior Bowl. "Some teams like me as a nickel. Some like me as a free safety. I can go play high safety, free safety. I can come down and support in the run. And I can cover in the slot."

The Packers are set at corner with Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas and Eric Stokes, but there is a hole at safety, with Rudy Ford in line to replace unsigned veteran Adrian Amos. They also could use some help in the slot, where Keisean Nixon is slated to start after agreeing to a one-year contract.

“My versatility. I feel like that’s the edge for me,” Martin said at the Combine. “I feel like I’m the most versatile DB in this draft. Just to be able to play every position on the back end, I feel like, is going to give me the edge.”

Second, he is a superb tackler. He missed only four in 2022 and three in 2021, according to PFF.

“He is quick and fluid,” NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah told reporters in a pre-Combine conference call. “He can change directions. He is a physical hitter. He shows you his toughness. I’m curious to see what the pure speed is. That’s the only box left for him to check, but I thought he was somebody that could come in and be a really good nickel right away.”

Given his athleticism and production, paired with a weak overall safety class, Martin could wind up going in the second round.

“All I need is the opportunity,” he told NBC-2. “Just get my foot in the door, and I’ll handle the rest.”