Darrick Forrest and Kamren Curl - Commanders safeties
This is an outstanding rags-to-riches partnership born out of skill and hard work. Not many anticipated Darrick Forrest and Kamren Curl to become anything more than rotational pieces after both were Day 3 selections, so for them to emerge as one of the NFL's most dynamic young safety partnerships is nothing short of phenomenal.
Forrest led the Washington Commanders in takeaways last season. His overall awareness improved dramatically and there was real conviction when it came to turning chances into turnovers throughout the campaign.
While normally associated with hard-hitting and run-stopping, Forrest has evolved into a true three-down presence that can impose his will on any aspect of the game. Something the Commanders hope continues long into the future.
Curl's story is perhaps even more inspirational. A seventh-round afterthought coming out of Arkansas, the defensive back is well on course to becoming one of the biggest draft steals in franchise history. Once Josh Harris' ownership group takes charge, getting him tied down to a long-term deal should be among Washington's biggest priorities.
If Forrest and Curl take another leap forward together next season, the sky's the limit. If Percy Butler also starts imposing himself from further down the rotation, one would be hard-pressed to envisage a scenario where this backend unit doesn't become an area of significant strength in 2023.