There seems to be more stability and structure around the Washington Commanders these days. Things are still hanging precariously, but their bounce-back chances are high if they can navigate the 2026 NFL Draft successfully. Â
But for the previous regime and former head coach Ron Rivera, there is one incomprehensible fumble that analysts just can't stop bringing up.
Rivera's roster construction was poor. His draft choices, especially at the top end, were even worse. These glaring errors could have taken years to rectify. And though Peters has not yet resolved every issue, things look much more promising now.
Ron Rivera choosing Emmanuel Forbes Jr. over Christian Gonzalez continues to haunt the Commanders
When Kristopher Knox of The Bleacher Report was asked to pick Washington's worst draft pick of the century, there were plenty to choose from. He eventually settled on cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr., who failed to meet expectations when there were other can't-miss prospects, including Christian Gonzalez, right there for the taking.
"The Washington Commanders founded a new regime when they hired coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters in 2024. Their last pick of the previous era was a whopper of a mistake.
"[Emmanuel] Forbes lasted less than two full seasons in Washington and was waived in November 2024. He has since reemerged as a capable contributor for the Rams, but Washington passed on players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jack Campbell and Sam LaPorta to take him. Given the Commanders' need for secondary help, they'd have been wise to grab Christian Gonzalez."
It brought back painful memories for Commanders fans. Everyone knew Gonzalez was the right pick — all except the man who was tasked with making the decision.
Rivera was infatuated with Forbes throughout the pre-draft process. He ignored the fact that he was dangerously undersized, focusing more on his college takeaways at Mississippi State. It didn't take long to realize this was going to be the final nail in his proverbial Washington coffin.
Forbes is still in the league, although his future with the Los Angeles Rams is clouded after some impressive additions to their cornerback room. Gonzalez is coming off a Super Bowl appearance and is widely considered one of the best shutdown boundary options in the NFL. Rivera is long gone, and he is unlikely to get another coaching opportunity again.
Chase Young. Jamin Davis. Jahan Dotson. Forbes. Those were the first four-round picks made by Rivera during his tenure. None are still with the club. Two were traded, and two were released. And until Peters stacks some good drafts together, these misfires will remain sorely felt.
Fortunately, Rivera isn't making the picks anymore. That's something, at least.
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