With the sixteenth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders selected cornerback Emmanuel Forbes out of Mississippi State. Washington definitely need the secondary help – it was one of their top needs. He was the second cornerback taken in the draft, behind only Devon Witherspoon.
Was Forbes a reach over Christian Gonzalez and Joey Porter Jr. who were both still on the board? Only time will tell. Gonzalez got snapped up the very next pick after Washington made their selection.
Forbes had six interceptions last year for the Bulldogs, and returned three of them for touchdowns. That’s impressive. Obviously impressive enough to make the Commanders make him a mid-first round pick.
He set an NCAA record with six career return touchdowns in three seasons. He is a ball hawk and that’s always a valuable trait in any defender – especially one in the secondary.
“The high-energy leader of the Bulldogs’ defense has the speed to tag along with any receiver in the nation. His backpedal and fluid hips are also two key ingredients to his success. Forbes is strong in man coverage and even better in zone due to his football intelligence.” – SI Draft Bible
Pros And Cons
The knock on Forbes is his size. At just 166 pounds, will he be able to match the strength of NFL receivers? After all, a receiver like Seattle’s D.K. Metcalf outweighs him by 70 pounds. In the NFC East, he will have to face AJ Brown twice a year and he is 60 pounds heavier.
He will certainly have the speed to cover virtually anyone. He runs a 4.35 40 – which is an elite time (top 5 at the 2023 Combine).
According to the Commanders website, he was the “highest graded cornerback in the conference during the 2022 season (87.8) and allowed career lows in receptions (26), completion percentage (51%), yards per reception (9.3) and yards after the catch (95).”
Draft expert Mel Kiper wrote in his latest mock draft:
“I’m a huge fan of Forbes, who is rail thin but really fast. He has gone up against some of college football’s best wideouts and consistently held his own.”
Joining The Ranks
Forbes joins a secondary unit that already includes Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste. That may allow him a little time to grow into a bigger role, but he should be given the opportunity to be a solid contributor from the start. Depth was definitely needed.
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The Last Time
This isn’t the first time that Washington have selected a cornerback out of Mississippi State. Many fans will remember fondly that in 2001, the then Redskins drafted a guy named Fred Smoot with the 45th overall pick.
He worked out pretty well.
Still To Come
Washington has seven more picks — one in the second, third, fourth, and fifth, two in the sixth, and then one more in the seventh. The Commanders have needs on the offensive line and at linebacker, and to a lesser extent, at tight end.
They may add edge rusher to that list after deciding not to pick up the fifth year option on Chase Young’s contract for the 2024 season.