What elite traits are the Washington Commanders getting with Emmanuel Forbes, their No. 16 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft?
The Washington Commanders ended weeks of speculation by selecting Emmanuel Forbes at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. There was plenty of late buzz regarding the prospect before the big night, and in this case, there was no smoke without fire.
Christian Gonzalez’s slide obviously gave them cause to pause, to a certain extent. But listening to how Ron Rivera spoke about the former Mississippi State stud after the pick was confirmed, it’s pretty clear he was always the guy.
While Forbes is one of the lightest prospects ever drafted in the first round, he has a dynamic skill set that could see him emerge as a next-level star in no time. Something the Commanders desperately need within their cornerback room despite picking up Cameron Dantzler Sr. off the waiver wire.
Obviously, the selection was never going to please everyone. But we picked out three elite traits the Commanders are getting with Forbes.
Elite Trait No. 1
Commanders are getting elite speed
One thing that stands out considerably when examining Emmanuel Forbes on film is speed. This is nothing short of exceptional and in the upper echelons for NFL cornerbacks from the moment he steps onto a professional field.
This was also reflected during testing at the NFL Scouting Combine. Forbes blazed a trail en route to a 4.35-second 40-yard dash time, which also came with a 1.48-second 10-yard split, which is arguably most important for a cornerback considering the initial explosiveness needed.
There are some faults with Forbes – most notably in run support. But his speed to go downfield seamlessly with any wide receiver should be a major asset for the Washington Commanders immediately.
Commanders are getting elite instincts
Being a good cornerback is much more than just speed and coverage. Although that undoubtedly helps a great deal against NFL-caliber wide receivers that punish almost every bit of hesitancy.
Perhaps what intrigued the Washington Commanders most about Emmanuel Forbes – aside from his blazing explosiveness and physicality despite his slender frame – was eye-pooping instincts. The cornerback reacts extremely well, has exceptional route anticipation and as stated previously, has the closing speed to make things difficult.
There are times when Forbes can be overly-aggressive in this regard – something that needs to change in an NFL environment. However, his football IQ is to such a high degree it doesn’t envisage being that big of a problem once the Commanders’ coaching staff begins honing the player’s skills.
Forbes also has the right sort of mentality to bounce back from any disappointing play. Cornerback is one of the hardest positions to make the transition from college to the pros, especially for those at the top end who are expected to be on an island against proven performers right out of the gate.
With that being said, Forbes’ elite-level instincts and quick-twitch traits make the prospect a risk worth taking. Ron Rivera knows what’s at stake if this goes wrong, so there’s no doubt he had 100 percent confidence that the first-round pick’s attributes could be the missing piece to the defensive puzzle if everything clicks into place.
Commanders are getting an elite playmaker
This, above all else, is what set Emmanuel Forbes apart from the rest where the Washington Commanders are concerned. Conjuring up big plays almost at will and in most cases, turn them into scoring opportunities along the way.
Despite the outstanding standard Forbes found himself up against among SEC competition, he flourished. The defensive back attained 14 interceptions and 22 passes defended in three seasons with Mississippi State – six of which were brought back for touchdowns during a remarkable run that was among college football’s best.
Ron Rivera was keen to point this out when speaking about Forbes following the pick. Something the head coach genuinely believes can become the biggest asset imaginable to a defense that was ranked No. 3 overall in 2022.
"“He’s a turnover machine. And that can impact our team, our defense in a very good way. This guy, this young man fit the bill and he did it at a very high level. I mean, he did it in the SEC which is just…a notch below the NFL. He played against some big-time receivers, big-time quarterbacks. So this is a guy that fits the bill for us, and we think it’s gonna come in and help us and help elevate our defense.”"
While it might be more difficult for Forbes to generate these numbers at the pro level, this elite trait is something that cannot be taught. The ability to see opportunities way before they arrive and convert them into turnovers, which the Commanders missed from last season’s cornerbacks immensely.