NFL Mock Draft: Commanders Take 'Ball Hawk' CB in First Round

The Washington Commanders have a hole at the cornerback position to address. Will they get to it in the first round of this year's draft?

Few things signal the NFL Draft is right around the corner like a mock draft.

With just over a month until Roger Goodell takes the podium, ESPN projected the Washington Commanders adding to their secondary with Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes.

“Forbes is a ball hawk who picked off 14 passes over the past three seasons -- one of those was a pick-six off Will Levis -- and could be an All-Pro player,” ESPN writes. “He has gone up against some of college football's best wideouts and consistently held his own.”

Forbes had an outstanding junior season with six interceptions, which led the SEC and was tied for the third-most in college football. He also holds a tie for the NCAA record for most pick-sixes with six. Forbes was an AP Second-Team All-American in 2022.

At the NFL Combine, Forbes also shot up draft boards by running a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash.

While Forbes’ numbers pop off of the paper, he is one of the smaller corners in the drafter after weighing in at 166 pounds at the combine, though that shouldn't sway NFL teams from drafting him early.

Another hole that ESPN could see the Commanders addressing is offensive tackle. ESPN thought it was a position Washington could address, but the need was filled with the signing of right tackle Andrew Wylie to a three-year deal. 

---

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Washington Commanders? Click Here.

Follow Commander Country on Twitter.

Want even more Washington Commanders news? Check out the SI.com team page here