4 most important Commanders offseason arrivals in 2023
By Dean Jones
Emmanuel Forbes - Commanders CB
Another area that needed desperate upgrades was the cornerback room. While the likes of Benjamin St-Juste and Kendall Fuller have positive moments, there was a real need to find a long-term option with the potential to shut down one side of the field.
Fortunately for the Washington Commanders, they had one particular name in mind. A player that became an infatuation within the facility en route to becoming the No. 16 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The doubts about Emmanuel Forbes from a durability standpoint are there for all to see. However, the former Mississippi State star has been eager to quash these doubts almost from the moment he stepped onto the practice field.
And he's done so with a swagger that's been a breath of fresh air.
Forbes has been explosive, instinctive, and coped extremely well when faced with some prolific pass-catchers at Washington's disposal. This is an outstanding start for the defensive back, who looks set to earn starting reps right out of the gate if things continue trending in a similar manner.
If Forbes brings his playmaking, ball-hawking credentials to the Commanders, they have a real player on their hands. Should St-Juste, Fuller, and maybe even second-rounder Quan Martin also make contributions, expect Washington's secondary to go from inconsistency to an area of real strength.