4 players who'll benefit most from Commanders hiring Dan Quinn

Emmanuel Forbes - Commanders CB

It was a rookie campaign to forget for Emmanuel Forbes. The Washington Commanders had lofty expectations for the No. 16 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft after targeting him early in the assessment process. As it turned out, the cornerback wasn't ready for the responsibilities Ron Rivera and his staff had planned.

Forbes found life difficult in almost all phases. He couldn't cope with covering the opposition's No. 1 wideout. He was often outmatched physically. His tackling in run support also came in for criticism. The Commanders benched him for a brief period, so the jury is still as to whether or not they made the right call.

All hope is not lost where Forbes is concerned. If anyone can help the former Mississippi State star regain his confidence, it's new head coach Dan Quinn.

Quinn's had success nurturing young defensive backs throughout his time with the Dallas Cowboys. He instantly turned Trevon Diggs into an elite ballhawk. His work with DaRon Bland turned a mid-round afterthought into an All-Pro this season. If the coach has a similar impact with Forbes, the benefits will be substantial.

Tempering expectations with Forbes would be wise initially. Quinn will know how to put him in better positions to thrive, but hopes are high that having this sort of influence on the defensive back could provide the spark that ignites him to better fortunes in 2024.