Commanders 'Turnover Machine' Emmanuel Forbes Could Create Best NFL Defense

Washington Commanders rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes tallied 14 career interceptions over three seasons at Mississippi State.

When the Washington Commanders selected cornerback Emmanuel Forbes No. 16 overall in last month's draft, it came as a shock to many around the league. 

Not because the talent isn't there - ranking as the No. 2 cornerback prospect in this year's draft - but that he was selected one pick prior to Christian Gonzalez, who was regarded as the top player at the position. 

While that debate will likely reign on for years to come, Washington has all the confidence in Forbes' ability to be its cornerback of the future. 

And for good reason. Over his three years at Mississippi State, the 22-year-old forced 14 interceptions while tying the FBS record with six pick-sixes over his career. 

"The Washington Commanders might have reached for 166-pound cornerback Emmanuel Forbes in the first round of last month's draft, but it's not hard to see why," Bleacher Report writes. "Forbes is a turnover machine who recorded 14 interceptions and six pick-sixes in three years at Mississippi State. A few more turnovers might be all Washington needs to have the league's best overall defense."

Returning three of those interceptions for touchdowns last season alone, Forbes was named a 2022 second team All-American and first-team SEC recipient for his highly praised ball-skills. 

Becoming the only cornerback drafted since 2000 who weighed in under 170 pounds at the scouting event, Forbes has the opportunity to make an immediate impact for this Commanders defense. 

The rookie will join a cornerback room alongside Benjamin St-Juste, Kendall Fuller and Danny Johnson among others.

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