Ranking the last 10 Commanders first-round NFL Draft picks
By Dean Jones
9. Josh Doctson
- Wide Receiver | TCU Horned Frogs
- No. 22 overall | 2016 NFL Draft
Josh Doctson came into the NFL with so much promise. In the end, it was yet another wasted high-end selection by the Washington Commanders.
The wide receiver dealt with some injury issues as a rookie. Doctson spent two more seasons with the franchise, gaining a little more than 1,000 receiving yards combined to go along with eight touchdowns. Unfortunately for the player, that wasn't enough to get a reprieve.
Doctson's time in Washington will always be tinged with what might have been. He got one more chance to prove himself after signing with the Minnesota Vikings in 2019. It didn't go according to plan and the former TCU standout's been out of the league ever since.
8. Emmanuel Forbes
- Cornerback | Mississippi State Bulldogs
- No. 16 overall | 2023 NFL Draft
Ron Rivera became almost infatuated with Emmanuel Forbes during his final pre-draft process as head coach in 2023. The explosive cornerback had a lot of exciting traits. Unfortunately, the Commanders' coaching staff put too much pressure on his shoulders right out of the gate.
Forbes fluffed his lines, struggled to adjust, and looked overawed against elite-level competition. The Mississippi State product lacked the strength needed to cope with the physicality aspect of playing the position. He was targeted frequently by opposing passing attacks, leaving Rivera with no option other than to bench the player.
All hope is not lost after just one season. But if Forbes cannot raise his performance levels under renowned talent developers such as Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr., concerns surrounding his long-term aspirations will grow.