Commanders first-round bust must heed Dan Quinn's advice after hasty exit

Emmanuel Forbes Jr.'s release over the weekend was surprising. However, it was evident from early on that Ron Rivera's last high-end draft selection didn't have a long-term future with the franchise.

Forbes' lackluster production and the fact he was targeted as a weak link almost constantly saw him phased out by the new regime. The former Mississippi State star was seldom seen over the final few weeks of his Washington Commanders' tenure. He'll now get the chance to start again in a different environment.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn delved deeper into why Forbes was deemed surplus to requirements this late into the campaign. It centered around the return to health of Marshon Lattimore, who should be available after the bye week to make his long-awaited Washington debut versus the team that traded him before the deadline.

Emmanuel Forbes Jr. must respond positively to Commanders' release

Quinn also urged Forbes to grasp his next opportunity and take advantage of whatever fresh start comes along. The coach also went out of his way to meet with the cornerback to provide these helpful words in person.

"Yeah, [CB] Marshon’s [Lattimore] close, we talked about that, I think it was Friday, for him being back in it. And so, when we made the decision to release him, really just the best opportunity for the team at this point. I had a chance to visit with him, and I explained to him sometimes that the change of scenery is good, and I’ve seen other players go to other clubs, and it turns out differently, and sometimes that’s a good thing. And I said that that can happen with you too. And so, I wanted to make sure he heard that from me, and there was even guys on his own team here that had started somewhere else as a first-round player and all of a sudden, just a different scenery and different shift. The new system can help. And so, we wanted to wish him best on this football journey wherever that goes from here."

- Dan Quinn

The NFL can be a cruel business. Quinn going to speak with Forbes personally is a testament to his caring mentality and his experience, knowing what this news could do for a once-promising college prospect.

Forbes must heed Quinn's advice and respond accordingly. It's unlikely anyone will claim him off the waiver wire looking at the contractual ramifications. However, it would be a huge shock if he wasn't picked up shortly after.

Teams are always willing to give first-round picks who fail initially another shot. They believe a change of scenery within a scheme more suited to their strengths can help galvanize them. Some gambles pay off, others don't.

This is a huge test of Forbes' character and inner desire. He's the latest in a long line of failed first-round picks made by Washington over the last decade. None of Rivera's choices are around anymore. The previous decision-maker thought he'd found a genuine shutdown presence for his secondary. It was another grave error of judgment.

The Commanders are moving forward without Forbes. This is a crossroads moment for the ex-college ballhawk. Anything less than a positive response will see him out of the league entirely before long.

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