Commanders News: Shaka Toney, Jason Wright, Emmanuel Forbes and fans return

Commanders CB gets Pro Bowl comparison

There is an increasing sense of intrigue surrounding Emmanuel Forbes and what he can bring to the Washington Commanders. While some were surprised that the cornerback was chosen No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, this is a prospect those in power were high on and made bringing him into the franchise their biggest priority.

Forbes is on the light side, but the upside is absolutely off the charts if he can cope with the added rigors of NFL action. It also fills a position of significant need for the Commanders, who are in desperate need of a true lockdown presence to take their defense up another notch.

During an interview appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, team president Jason Wright lauded Forbes' skill set, even comparing him to former Pro Bowler Dominique Rodgers-Cromarite along the way.

"DRC is it. He was incredibly explosive, he could go up and get the ball, [and] he had a natural knack for tracking the ball. He was slight in the frame, but he would stick his head in there when he needed to and I would argue Emmanuel is willing to do that much more than DRC was. They liked his big play ability. If you said we were lacking one thing on an already strong defense, it was playmaking ability [and] turnover ability. He has that in spades ... He was our guy. He's a dog."

- Jason Wright via Pat McAfee Show/SI

This is a high bar for Forbes to reach, there's no getting away from that. But given his current career trajectory, athletic intangibles, and his production at Mississippi State, it would be a huge surprise if the rookie fell flat on his face.