The Washington Commanders had their eyes set on former Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes from the onset of its draft evaluations, so much so the team was trying to trade up in last month’s NFL draft from its No. 16 pick.
The Commanders released a video package giving insight into its draft day process. With their first-round pick sitting dead in the middle, the Commanders were locked in on Forbes while former Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez was No. 2 on its board.
Washington’s general manager Martin Mayhew phoned the New England Patriots about trading their 14th overall pick in exchange for the Commanders’ 16th pick. However, the Patriots wanted the Commanders to include a third-round selection while sending back a sixth-rounder.
Washington executive Marty Hurney was concerned that the Patriots would draft Forbes.
The Commanders were willing to add a fourth-round pick. Eventually, the talks fell through. Commanders head coach Ron Rivera was content with letting the draft play out.
It’s clear from the video the Commanders wanted Forbes above all else. Rivera added that defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio would be excited if Forbes is still available with their pick.
The Patriots ultimately traded back to the No. 17 pick with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers went offensive line with tackle Broderick Jones. The Jets selected Will McDonald IV at 15, leaving the Commanders with the opportunity to get their guy.
Mayhew called Forbes “the total package” after the draft.
Forbes wowed the Commanders’ brass and scouts with “his ability to communicate with confidence.”
Selecting Forbes over Gonzalez was shocking to many Commanders fans. But, the video gave some insight into why Forbes was graded higher.
Del Rio and his staff joyfully celebrated the pick.
Ironically, Hurney was right about the Patriots eyeing a defensive back. New England selected Gonzalez with the very next pick. Essentially, the Patriots couldn’t decide which cornerback to take and gain some draft real estate from the Steelers moving back, allowing the Commanders to pick between the two stud corners.
Forbes was a consensus All-American in 2022 for the Bulldogs. He’s considered a ballhawk. Forbes holds the NCAA Division I Football Subdivision record with six interceptions returned for touchdowns. He recorded 14 interceptions during his three seasons at Mississippi State.
At 6-foot tall and 166 pounds, pundits noted his slender frame. But he played at an exceptional level in the SEC that led to no concerns from the Commanders. Now, he’ll join a talented cornerback group led by Kendall Fuller, Benjamin St-Juste, and this year’s second-round draft pick Quan Martin.
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