4 Commanders players whose stock could crash beyond repair in 2024
By Dean Jones
Emmanuel Forbes - Commanders CB
Emmanuel Forbes has more pressure on his shoulders than most. The cornerback went through incredible turmoil as a rookie after Ron Rivera tasked him with too much, too soon. It seems as if there is a long road ahead to justify his lofty draft status.
Forbes was always Washington's primary target at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Those in power at the time ignored his slender frame, focusing their attention on the player's ball-hawking prowess throughout a prolific college career at Mississippi State. Something the Commanders desperately needed in their secondary heading into a make-or-break campaign for Rivera.
The Commanders gave Forbes some significant responsibilities right out of the gate. His moments of quality were few and far between. He became physically outmatched and unable to cope with the elite-level standard of NFL wide receivers. Rivera had no option other than to bench his new prized possession to avoid his confidence going past the point of no return.
Forbes did come back into the lineup, but the same complications emerged. He conceded 37 completions (60.7 percent of targets thrown in his direction), 598 receiving yards, and a 103.0 passer rating when targeted. The defensive back's 50.9 grade from Pro Football Focus is another glaring indication of his first-year struggles.
This is a fresh start for everybody, Forbes included. He's still paper thin by professional football standards and needs some refinement technically. But now, he's in the best possible hands thanks to the presence of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.
If Forbes cannot develop and become more consistent under the tutelage of two accomplished coaches, the Commanders have a big problem on their hands. The player cannot let this happen if he wants to carve out a successful career for himself.
Some sections of the fanbase are already starting to question whether Forbes was the right pick over someone like Christian Gonzalez. These concerns would be deafening if the ex-Bulldog went through similar complications in 2024.
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