Ranking Commanders' nine biggest NFL Draft gems of the last decade
By Dean Jones
5. Darrick Forrest
- Safety | Cincinnati Bearcats
- No. 163 overall | 2021 NFL Draft
When the Washington Commanders picked up Darrick Forrest, he was seen as a development project that could potentially assist special teams immediately. The former fifth-round pick was given time to develop at his own pace. By his sophomore campaign, the defensive back was ready to be unleashed.
Forrest imposed himself on the backend alongside Kamren Curl to form a dynamic young tandem. There were times of struggle, but it was immensely encouraging for someone who hadn't experienced prominent starting NFL reps previously.
Although the Cincinnati college product suffered some injury complications last season, the presence of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. could help Forrest take another significant step forward in 2024.
4. Kendall Fuller
- Cornerback | Virginia Tech Hokies
- No. 84 overall | 2016 NFL Draft
Kendall Fuller is one of the more dependable cornerbacks acquired by the Washington Commanders in recent memory. His two spells with the franchise will be remembered fondly for the most part. This didn't come with much winning from a team perspective, but the former third-round pick can look back on his contribution with an enormous sense of pride.
Fuller departed for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018 after two seasons, where he won a Super Bowl. Washington remained close to the player's heart, returning in time for the 2020 campaign and putting together a series of productive campaigns.
This offseason saw the new regime let Fuller walk in favor of the Miami Dolphins. While keeping him around might have been a better way to go, Adam Peters has a plan in place to take the franchise forward and should be trusted until further notice.