4 intriguing things to watch at Commanders OTAs starting on Tuesday
By Dean Jones
Emmanuel Forbes vs. Commanders WRs
While many thought the Washington Commanders picking Emmanuel Forbes at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft was a reach, this is not a sentiment echoed by those around the league. If the gifted cornerback reaches the heights expected, it could make a significant difference to a defense that was crying out for a shutdown presence last season.
Forbes left an eye-catching impression during the team's rookie minicamp. The explosiveness and ballhawk capabilities that attracted the Commanders were on full display, which is a solid platform from which to build in the coming months.
Things are about to get more difficult for the one-time Mississippi State standout. If the Commanders had any sense, they would give Forbes all he can handle going up against the team's outstanding wide receiver trio of Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, and Jahan Dotson.
Each of the aforementioned wideouts brings a unique set of physical attributes. This is set to provide Forbes with a crash course in what to expect weekly against NFL-caliber pass-catchers that will punish every mistake.
There might be some growing pains initially. But competing versus players with proven credentials at the very top is only going to serve Forbes well when the regular season arrives.