3 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders 2024 training camp Week 1

Winner No. 3

Emmanuel Forbes Jr. - Commanders CB

Emmanuel Forbes Jr. had a tough task awaiting him at camp. The cornerback's production was under the microscope more than most after a disastrous rookie campaign. Altering perceptions about his long-term outlook is an almost impossible challenge, but the former first-round selection is off to a tremendous start.

Forbes put on 17 pounds throughout the offseason in readiness for his sophomore campaign. He looks notably more muscular without losing his explosiveness. This was a huge positive when one considers how much the corner was bullied by opposing wide receivers after getting responsibilities he wasn't ready for under previous head coach Ron Rivera.

The presence of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. is having the desired effect on Forbes. Both coaches come into the Commanders with outstanding credentials in defensive back development. They gave the Mississippi State product a huge confidence boost by slotting him as the starting option opposite Benjamin St-Juste over the opening stages of camp.

Those in power are giving Forbes a crash course in improved standards and what it takes to legitimately shut down one side of the field. Quinn and Whitt are lining him up frequently against Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin during drills and scrimmages. The fact he's holding his own is a testament to how far the player's come in a short space of time under improved teaching methods.

Forbes' outlook is more promising, but the challenges don't get any easier leading into Washington's season-opener at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Grenada High School product has the small matter of padded practices to overcome this week. That's when things get more intense and physical. It'll be the litmus test in no uncertain terms.

If Forbes comes through this test with flying colors, encouragement will increase exponentially. He won't have everything his way - especially versus an elite route runner like McLaurin - but fighting through adversity and making plays when opportunities arise are the minimum requirements over Week 2 of training camp.

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