5 vulnerable Commanders starters who could lose their spots in 2024
By Dean Jones
Emmanuel Forbes - Commanders CB
ESPN's depth chart lists Emmanuel Forbes as the starting outside cornerback opposite Benjamin St-Juste. This might end up being the case, but the Washington Commanders are going to make him earn it after a rookie campaign that was forgettable at best.
The Commanders seemed hellbent on bringing Forbes into the franchise last spring. Even when Christian Gonzalez - projected by some analysts to be a top-five talent - fell into their laps, Ron Rivera resisted the temptation. He genuinely believed this was the shutdown presence Washington desperately needed.
Again, this might prove accurate as Forbes' career unfolds. He's still young enough to develop accordingly, but the jury is still well and truly out on that.
According to those in attendance at Washington's organized team activities, Michael Davis has also been getting starting reps. The free-agent signing boasts more experience but regressed last season. Couple this with the question marks surrounding St-Juste, and it's not hard to see why this unit could become a weak link in 2024.
Forbes is undersized and hasn't put on much muscle mass throughout the offseason. This suggests he might be physically outmatched once again, but Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. should have a better plan to maximize his skill set during a critical Year 2 of his professional career.
If the Commanders start Forbes as most anticipate, starting well is critical. Anything less than accomplished coverage, assured tackling, and demonstrating notable growth could see Davis gain the upper hand. There's also a chance Adam Peters finds alternative options from the veteran pool, the waiver wire, or perhaps even the trade market depending on what opportunities present themselves.
It's too soon to be calling Forbes a draft bust just yet. But if the former Mississippi State star goes through similar complications as an NFL sophomore, it won't be long before the defensive back gets tabbed with this dubious distinction.