Commanders News: Sam Howell, Emmanuel Forbes, Chase Young and Kazmeir Allen

Previous experience can help Commanders CB

While the concerns about Emmanuel Forbes' weight cannot be dismissed, he's a bonafide ballhawk that could be the X-factor needed to get the Washington Commanders' defense to even greater heights next season and beyond. The team clearly feels like the cornerback has something special, identifying him as a prospect of interest early and not deviating from their original plan despite Christian Gonzalez falling into their laps.

According to senior director of player personnel Eric Stokes via Sports Illustrated, Forbes' previous experience competing in the SEC - known as the gold standard for college football and a prolific pro-pipeline - can serve him well ahead of a rookie campaign of which much is expected.

"Well, you know he's a guy that's played three years in SEC really at the highest level. He's been a terrific player in his own right in that conference. He's seen 'em all, we know the type of receivers that have come out of that conference. And he's always seen all the high level guys. So there was a lot of confidence in terms of just that because again, we've had an ideal of him seeing against top level SEC receivers, guys that are already in our league."

- Eric Stokes via Sports Illustrated

Forbes is not lacking confidence that's for sure. He is supremely athletic and physical in press coverage, boasting the elite instincts needed to create turnovers at will.

If the former Mississippi State stud can bring this level of playmaking ability to the next level, the Commanders have a superstar on their hands.