McLaurin Praises Rookie Forbes: 'He's a Competitor!'

While Terry McLaurin is the leader of the Washington Commanders offense, first-round rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes hopes to emerge as the equivalent on the defense.

McLaurin, one of the best receivers in the NFL, has recognized the progress Forbes has made in his first training camp.

“He's gotten better each and every day," McLaurin said. "I've always tried to encourage him because he's a guy who really likes to learn. He's a sponge and I don't like to lose reps, so I'm gonna give it to him every time I get the opportunity but he's a competitor as well." 

The biggest positive going for Forbes is his playmaking ability. He recorded an NCAA record for pick-sixes with six during his three years at Mississippi State. Forbes may struggle with his size (6-0, 166 pounds), but he has NFL-like tendencies that the Commanders hope will translate on the professional level.

"You could tell he's learning from Kendall and being more patient and understanding route concepts and we're gonna need that," McLaurin said. "And I think one thing that's a strength of his is his ball skills. So, you could definitely see he's getting his hand more on balls from interceptions and PBUs [pass breakups] which on defense, I know they're emphasizing that.”

Forbes recorded a tackle in the Commanders' 17-15 win against the Cleveland Browns, but he's getting far more burn in practice going against McLaurin every day.

On Monday night, Forbes should have the opportunity to line up against Baltimore Ravens receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and fellow rookie Zay Flowers when the Commanders host them at FedEx Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.