Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes compared to Super Bowl champion and All-Pro

Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes has drawn comarisons to a former Super Bowl champion and All-Pro ahead of his rookie campaign.

While there are some who remain skeptical about the decision to draft Emmanuel Forbes at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, the cornerback was clearly a prospect the Washington Commanders saw as someone that could completely change their fortunes within the secondary. Aside from concerns about his size, there are very few weak spots in his game.

Forbes is an explosive, instinctive defensive back with a rare ability to come up with big-time plays consistently. This is something the Commanders have lacked from their cornerback room in recent years thanks to some underwhelming signings and draft picks of which the jury is still out.

There's been a lot to like about Forbes' production throughout early offseason workouts. He's getting some harsh lessons along the way from Pro Bowl-caliber wideouts such as Terry McLaurin, but this learning curve should serve him well before the regular season arrives.

Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes compared to Richard Sherman

The doubts won't be going away any time soon. But former Washington general manager Scot McCloughan lauded Forbes' potential during an appearance on the Kevin Sheehan Show via Yahoo Sports.

Forbes received some high praise from McCloughan, who compared the defensive back to Richard Sherman - a former Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks who earned three All-Pro honors, five Pro Bowl appearances, and selection to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2010s throughout a glittering pro career.

"I thought he [Emmanuel Forbes] was the most gifted, being able to play press and play off. And the thing that’s unique about him playing press, you can well say he isn’t strong enough, he’s got good length, and he’s smart. He reminds me a lot of Richard Sherman, who we drafted in Seattle, from the standpoint where he might not be the quickest, fastest, or have the most twitch, but the son of a gun is always in a play-making position, always gets his hands on the ball and when he does it’s an interception. It changes games.”"

- Scot McCloughan via Yahoo Sports

It's always nice to receive praise in any form of life. However, it probably won't mean that much to Forbes in the grand scheme of things.

Forbes should know that nothing will be given. Whether players were drafted high or didn't hear their names called during the selection process, everyone must earn the right to attain prominent reps and the former Mississippi State stud is no different.

The comparisons with Sherman are valid, even if the ex-pro was far more physical than anything Forbes has demonstrated throughout his career to date. Emerging into one of the best shutdown presences around will be high on his and the Commanders' list of objectives long-term, which is a lofty bar to aim for in the coming years.

If Forbes goes on to achieve half of what Shermann accomplished during his time in the league, Washington made the right call by taking him with their first-round selection. Although this pick will always be tied to Christian Gonzalez, who went one spot later to the New England Patriots.