Commanders 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: Big splash edition
By Dean Jones
![(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) Sam LaPorta (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) Sam LaPorta](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/dcde196aabe90d7eb6ab75171d547ef64b8824f09eadb20b323bcbbb82933928.jpg)
Commanders draft Emmanuel Forbes
- Cornerback | Mississippi State Bulldogs
In this scenario, Christian Gonzalez, Kelee Ringo, and Joey Porter Jr. were all off the board by No. 16 overall. Finding a premier left tackle took priority over taking Devon Witherspoon, so going a little bolder for a potential shutdown cornerback might come into play for the Washington Commanders.
With top-end options dwindling, trading up for Emmanuel Forbes was the play. Something that cost a mid-rounder plus a third-round selection in 2023 in addition to their No. 47 overall selection.
This isn’t an astronomical sum to give up. Especially if Forbes manages to hit the ground running with an athletic profile that’s incredibly impressive.
Forbes has the size, length, and athleticism normally associated with the modern-day cornerback. His reactions are first-class and although the player’s run support needs work, there is a lot to like about his chance of becoming a true No. 1 option at the next level.
It’s obviously a risk. But the Commanders have a need to fill and won’t want to be left without if they end up focusing on their offensive line at No. 16 overall.
The former Mississippi State star is gaining momentum at just the right time. So it’s an option that must not be ignored by Washington’s primary decision-makers.