Commanders news: Emmanuel Forbes, Joe Whitt Jr., Antonio Gibson and collaboration

Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes' potential

It was a rookie season to forget for Emmanuel Forbes. The cornerback struggled to adjust. He was tasked with responsibilities that the first-round pick simply wasn't ready for. There were times when he was bullied by more imposing wide receivers. It was a complete mess.

Forbes looked a little lost, but all hope isn't gone just yet. This was a sentiment echoed by defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., who is a big fan of the Mississippi State product and every young player within the secondary. His job - and that of his staff - is to help them reach their goals based on comments via USA Today Sports.

"I really liked [Emmanuel] Forbes when he came out, and not only Forbes, I like Quan (Martin). And you know, they have a number of guys on that backend that are really intriguing. And the thing that we have to do, that’s why we brought (defensive pass game coordinator) Jason Simmons in and (defensive backs coach) Tommy Donatell, to get those guys in and to believe in the techniques that we’re going to teach ’em and the scheme that we’re going to put them in. But we have quality young players here. We are just ready to get to work with them."

- Joe Whitt Jr. via USA Today Sports

Considering how influential Whitt and Dan Quinn were in getting players like DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs up to an elite level quickly, hopes are high. Especially given the ballhawk capabilities Forbes brought to the table in college.