4 Commanders players who need a monster offseason in 2024
By Dean Jones
Emmanuel Forbes - Commanders CB
To say Emmanuel Forbes went through some rookie struggles would be understating things. Big things were expected of the explosive cornerback after the Washington Commanders took him at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. What followed was nothing short of disastrous.
Ron Rivera gave the former Mississippi State ballhawk significant responsibilities right out of the gate. He was unable to cope with these demands, becoming a severe liability in coverage. Forbes was completely outmatched by the league's most dominant wide receivers constantly. The head coach was right to take him out of the firing line to avoid his confidence going past the point of no return.
Forbes was reintroduced into the starting lineup down the stretch, but the same frailties remained. It was a rookie campaign to forget for the player, but all hope is not lost with Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. coming into the fold.
The two aforementioned coaches are renowned developers of defensive backs. This was evident throughout their time together at the Dallas Cowboys. If the same happens with Forbes, expect to see immediate improvements entering Year 2 of his professional career.
This will require a monumental effort from Forbes' perspective. If he's willing to put in the work and wipe the slate clean, it would be a huge shock if Quinn and Whitt didn't bring more out of him next season and beyond.