4 Commanders players fighting for their starting status after 2023 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Kendall Fuller - Commanders CB
There was a desperate need for the Washington Commanders to find a cornerback with shutdown potential early in the 2023 NFL Draft. Something they managed to accomplish with minimal fuss by selecting Emmanuel Forbes at No. 16 overall.
Forbes looks every bit like the game-changing ballhawk Washington needs and should upgrade the secondary considerably with a smooth transition. However, the team also spent their second-rounder on defensive back Quan Martin, which raised a few eyebrows and cast further doubt on some already around.
Most projections have Martin becoming the Commanders' newest nickel/slot cornerback option. The team picked up Cameron Dantzler Sr. off the waiver wire and remain high on Benjamin St-Juste, which leaves Kendall Fuller facing a fight for his starting future in the coming weeks.
Fuller performed relatively well last season and is one of the primary leaders within Washington's locker room to further enhance his influence. Most thought he would be around next season, but the arrivals of Forbes and Martin changed everything.
The veteran went from a starting lock to a potential salary-cap casualty over the 2023 NFL Draft. Something that would save the Commanders $8.5 million with a post-June 1 designation.