4 critical observations from Commanders 2023 rookie minicamp

Commanders have the real deal in Emmanuel Forbes

While the debates continue to rage on about whether the Washington Commanders were right to select Emmanuel Forbes at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, the explosive cornerback began to let his football do the talking. And as far as first impressions go, things couldn't have gone much better for the Mississippi State product.

Forbes instantly brought a level of charisma and swagger to the field that was hard not to love. The player has already gotten his weight up since the NFL Scouting Combine, and everything that mesmerized the Commanders throughout their pre-draft evaluations was on full display.

There was plenty to like about Forbes' dynamic output and exceptional footwork. The movements are sharp and rapid in equal measure, with his ballhawk capabilities coming across with multiple pass breakups and an interception per media members in attendance.

This is exactly why the Commanders drafted Forbes. To continue being a turnover machine at the next level and evolve into the shutdown cornerback Washington has craved for years.

Forbes spent most of the rookie minicamp working from the slot, which is a role he might play during his initial transition next season. But based on this showing, it won't be long before Ron Rivera tasks the first-rounder with outside responsibilities against the league's best wideouts.