When the Washington Commanders went on the clock at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, there were two options under consideration. And despite Christian Gonzalez somehow falling into their laps, it wasn't enough for Ron Rivera to overlook his clear infatuation with Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
This quickly became an egregious error. And after Gonzalez secured a market-resetting extension from the New England Patriots, the verdict is never going to change.
After some tough negotiations over the summer, Gonzalez finally got his money. The gifted defensive back signed a four-year, $135 million extension with $102 million guaranteed. This puts him $1 million above the Seattle Seahawks' shutdown presence, Devon Witherspoon, as the highest-paid cornerback in league history.
Commanders are still paying for Ron Rivera's biggest draft blunder
And all the Commanders can do is look on with regret.
Rivera needed a corner desperately from the 2023 draft. He was almost besotted with Forbes' turnover capabilities despite severe concerns about his size. Gonzalez was touted as a top-10 selection, but some injury concerns caused his stock to slide.
That wasn't enough for Rivera to take the plunge. And the Commanders paid a heavy price for this lack of judgment.
Gonzalez is now an All-Pro-caliber performer and a history maker. Forbes didn't even make it through his second season in Washington before being made surplus to requirements.
The size concerns around Forbes were right. He was bullied by physically imposing wide receivers, and the Mississippi State product became a liability. Not even the new regime could help him turn the tide, leaving general manager Adam Peters with no option other than to waive him.
Taking Emmanuel Forbes Jr. over Christian Gonzalez was organizational malpractice
Forbes is now on the Los Angeles Rams, though his role will decrease after the arrivals of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Gonzalez is thriving in New England, and the Commanders are still scrambling for answers.
With Trey Amos beginning the campaign on injured reserve, the cornerback room is a concern. Mike Sainristil, Amik Robertson, and Rasul Douglas will lead the charge, which could be a solid if unspectacular trio. But if one or two struggle, the depth just isn't there to cope.
Had Rivera used any semblance of common sense and reacted to what was going on in front of him, the Commanders' fortunes would look a lot different with Gonzalez.
Unfortunately, that didn't happen, which was the previous head coach's final catastrophe with first-round picks before being let go.
And the inexcusable decision to take Forbes over Gonzalez might be Rivera's biggest mistake of all.
Which is saying something.
The Commanders can't do anything about that now. Peters inherited an ungodly mess, and it's taken time to provide any sort of stability. Rivera's poor drafting is a big reason why, with none of his first-rounders and very few draft selections overall still on the books.
Rivera didn't land another NFL job after leaving Washington. After this major blunder, it's not hard to see why.
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