The Washington Commanders were a team that no one could really pinpoint what their plan was entering the 2023 NFL Draft. Many expected them to take the best player available on their board and that is what they seemed to do.
With the No. 16 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Commanders selected Mississippi State cornerback, Emmanuel Forbes. Forbes fills what was one of the team’s needs heading into the draft as he will bolster the secondary in what could be one of the best defenses in the NFL.
Washington boasts a scary defensive front with Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Montez Sweat and Chase Young. They can get into the opponent’s backfield and create some chaos as pass rushers or stop the run. But, if they are having an off day, the secondary at least now have a high-upside player in Forbes to help compensate for it.
As shared by CBS Sports, there is a lot to like about Forbes. They shared four major things of note in their scouting report of him.
- Long, lanky frame with room to add weight
- Stays in phase on downfield routes
- Shows good route recognition and the ability to jump routes with explosiveness
- Flashed good hands on pick-six vs. Kentucky’s Will Levis
Forbes is listed at 6 feet tall, possessing the kind of length that teams covet in their cornerbacks. He can certainly carry more weight without negatively impacting his performance as he is listed at 166 pounds by ESPN. CBS Sports, by comparison, has him at a much bigger 180.
The explosiveness to jump routes should lead to Forbes becoming quite a playmaker for the Commanders. To make plays you need to be in the right position to take advantage and the former Bulldog certainly has the skill set to make that happen.
In his career at Mississippi State, Forbes had six interceptions returned for touchdowns. Not only does he create plays, but he also turns them into points instantly. Having your defense produce scores will help the Commanders win more games and he was doing it against top-tier talent in the SEC.
There are a few things to work on, but Forbes has the talent to get in the lineup and help right away. The Commanders made a nice selection of a high ceiling player who received a grade high enough to be projected as a long-term starter.
More must-reads: