Commanders boost secondary, draft Miss State CB Emmanuel Forbes

Christian Gonzalez remains on the draft board, but the Commanders are ignoring the mock drafts and taking another cornerback. Washington has selected Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes at No. 16.

The latter had received more varied grades than the former, but he will enter the league with plenty of pedigree of his own. Forbes established himself as the class’ preeminent ball hawk during his career with the Bulldogs. He racked up six interceptions (three of which were returned for touchdowns) last season, bringing his total to 14 across three years.

The most notable concern for Forbes is his size. With a 6-foot, 166-pound frame, he projects as one of the slightest corners to enter the league. Questions will be asked about his ability to handle NFL physicality, particularly in press coverage. If he can answer them, though, he can add a much-needed playmaking element to the Commanders’ secondary.

Washington recorded only nine interceptions last season, which ranked 28th in the league. Forbes should be able to boost that figure, while providing the team with another starting option on the backend. The Commanders still have Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste in the fold. They also signed Cameron Dantzler in free agency, and Forbes will represent another young addition to the CB room.

Forbes’ selection represents a slight disruption to the order in which many felt the cornerback class would fall on Day 1. Still, Forbes was in the conversation to hear his name called on Thursday, and his arrival will carry notable expectations in the nation’s capital.