4 prospects Commanders could reach for at No. 16 in 2023 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Commanders could draft Emmanuel Forbes
- Cornerback | Mississippi State Bulldogs
It’s no secret that the Washington Commanders are looking for a true shutdown cornerback via the 2023 NFL Draft. Someone that can quickly emerge into a key cog in Jack Del Rio’s improving defense with coverage capabilities nobody on the roster currently possesses.
This is a strong class of cornerbacks at the top end. Something that won’t go unnoticed by others around the league with similar desires.
Whether this leads to a run on cornerbacks before Washington goes on the clock is anyone’s guess. The top-four quarterbacks will go in the top 10 and others like Will Anderson Jr. and Jalen Carter will also be taken high despite the latter’s recent legal issues.
If the Commanders sit on their hands and miss out on some more notable cornerbacks, then taking a shot with Emmanuel Forbes is a reach to contemplate. The one-time Mississippi State star is long, fast, and reactionary – which are all the traits every young cornerback needs to thrive in the NFL.
While Forbes doesn’t come with the fanfare of players like Kelee Ringo, Christian Gonzalez, and Joey Porter Jr., that does not detract from what a special prospect he is. One that is unlikely to get out of the first round following an exceptional display of athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine.