Emmanuel Forbes Jr. takes the high road after inevitable Commanders departure

Emmanuel Forbes Jr. is moving forward...

Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Emmanuel Forbes Jr.'s time with the Washington Commanders was an unmitigated disaster. Ron Rivera went into the 2023 NFL Draft infatuated with the cornerback's ball-hawking skills in college. He was stubborn to a fault in his quest to select him at No. 16 overall.

Christian Gonzalez was graded much higher by most analysts and projected as a top-10 pick. Even when the Oregon prospect fell below expectations and into Washington's lap, Rivera wouldn't budge from Forbes. As it turned out, this was the last in a series of first-round blunders during his time as head coach.

Not even two years later, Forbes was let go by the Commanders. He fell out of favor with the new regime. His lack of size and inability to cover effectively on the boundary were other reasons behind his demise. There was a collective shrug from the fanbase when Washington eventually cut the cord.

Forbes found a new home quickly, which was somewhat surprising. The Mississippi State product was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams, which is a chance to start over and galvanize his career in a stable setup.

Emmanuel Forbes Jr. embracing fresh start after Commanders' exit

The comments underneath a social media practice video of Forbes were scathing from fans. What's important for the defensive back is ignoring the outside noise, focusing on improving his craft, and seizing his moment when it eventually arrives. That's the only way he's going to turn things around.

There was a tinge of disappointment from Forbes' perspective when asked about his time in Washington. He acknowledged that things didn't go as everyone hoped and he understood the decision to let him go. The player is also eager to take advantage of his second opportunity. Because when it's all said and done, there might not be a third.

"It's part of business, you know? I wish it didn't happen like that, but it did. I have a fresh start here, a clean slate, and I'm just ready to take advantage of it honestly."
Emmanuel Forbes Jr.

The Commanders did right by Forbes. He was tumbling down the depth chart with four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore ready to return after Washington's bye week. Instead of prolonging his agony and diminishing his already-sapped confidence further, they set him free for a new beginning in his NFL journey.

This tragic tale is more of an indictment of Rivera than anything else. Nobody had Forbes tabbed as a first-round selection before the 2023 draft. They felt his size, or lack thereof, could get overwhelmed in the pros. The former Washington head coach thought he knew better and was proved wrong yet again.

Washington has now removed all four of Rivera's first-round selections in just over a year since Josh Harris assumed ownership. Forbes was the last, and arguably biggest, error in judgment.

Whether this has a ripple effect on his ability to make an impression with the Rams remains to be seen. It'll be interesting to see how much resolve lies within.

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