3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Commanders could pick Emmanuel Forbes at No. 16
It’s no secret that the Washington Commanders are on the lookout for cornerback help. Creating turnovers within the secondary was a problem last season and picking up Cameron Danztler Sr. off the waiver wire doesn’t change the fact further reinforcements need to arrive before the new campaign.
Many projections from mock drafts have the Commanders taking a cornerback at No. 16 overall. While it’s unlikely either Devon Witherspoon or Christian Gonzalez will be around at this juncture, Ben Standig of The Athletic revealed that those in power have taken a keen interest in Emmanuel Forbes, who could be their guy depending on how things shake out.
"“Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes won’t be for everyone because of fears over the 166-pounder handling the NFL’s physicality. But the 6-foot-1 corner with 4.35 speed is a dynamic playmaker who set an NCAA record by returning six of his 14 interceptions for touchdowns. Washington had 336 defensive “splash plays” last season, per TruMedia, tied for 26th, and ranked 28th with nine interceptions. Those paltry numbers make a fluid ball attacker like Forbes appealing, and the Commanders are interested.”"
Forbes is a little on the light side, but his natural instincts and elite speed are exactly what the Commanders need. More importantly, the former Mississippi State stud knows how to punish mistakes with turnovers and in many cases, takes them to the house.
Adding Forbes to a cornerback room that also includes Dantzler, Kendall Fuller, and Benjamin St-Juste has potential. Even if some deem this as something of a reach in the mid-first round.