Commanders' Emmanuel Forbes: 'Most Productive' Rookie CB?

The Washington Commanders took cornerback Emmanuel Forbes in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Washington Commanders knew they needed to add playmaking to their defense in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Few players fit that description better than cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, Washington's No. 16 pick in the draft. But how will he rank among rookie corners in his first season?

CBS ranked rookie corners based on who they think will be the most productive in their first season. Forbes landed at No. 5 on the list. 

"Six house calls on interceptions as an SEC cornerback at Mississippi State is no fluke," CBS Sports writes. "There'll be times when Forbes is bullied by the deceptive strength of many No. 1 receivers in the NFL. In zone and off-man coverage, he'll flash the inherent playmaking abilities that made him the second cornerback off the board in April."

Throughout his collegiate career, Forbes proved he has a nose for the ball. He had six interceptions in his final season at Mississippi State and finished his career with six pick-sixes, an FBS career record. Forbes was also an NCAA consensus All-American in 2022.

Washington's defense was 28th in the NFL with just nine interceptions last season. The Commanders' defense forced 18 turnovers in 2022, which was 26th in the NFL. 

Despite struggling to force turnovers, the Commanders' defense was seventh in points allowed per game (20.2). If Forbes can be the same ballhawk he was in college, he can make an already strong defense that much better.

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