Will Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes Elevate 'Elite Defense?'

Can Washington Commanders rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes make the defense even better?

Emmanuel Forbes was the Washington Commanders guy all along.

As the draft process unfolded, it became clear to the Washington Commanders' brass that Forbes' skillset and character fit what they were looking for from the moment they first talked to him at the NFL Combine. Commanders college scout Pete Picerelli also believed Forbes could contribute immediately.

"His ability to communicate with confidence really left our defensive staff, our coordinators, and all of our executives frankly speechless," Picerelli said on Commanders Log. "His ability to communicate, teach their defense was frankly impressive. We viewed him as a plug-and-play player based on his intelligence and athleticism alone."

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said the team had a group of players they liked, which primarily focused on cornerbacks and offensive linemen. But even with those positions atop Washington's draft board, one player was on Rivera's mind with the No. 16 overall pick.

"Big thing for us is if Emmanuel Forbes is sitting there, it's an opportunity for us to get our guy," Rivera said.

Forbes wasn't just a cornerback who could cover wide receivers well at Mississippi State. He had a nose for the ball and consistently found a way to score once he had the ball in his hands. Forbes had six interceptions in his final season at Mississippi State and finished his career with six pick-sixes, an FBS career record. He was also an NCAA consensus All-American in 2022.

Washington's defense was one of the best in the NFL, seventh in points allowed per game (20.2). Even though they kept opposing offenses in check, the Commanders' defense struggled to force turnovers. They were 28th in the NFL with just nine interceptions last season and forced 18 turnovers overall in 2022, which was 26th in the NFL.

With the pressing need for an otherwise "elite defense," Forbes and Washington were a match made in heaven.

"This is an opportunity to do things that you did all those years down there," Rivera told Forbes. "We need you to do the same thing for us."

Two rookie cornerbacks completely altered the complexion of their team's defense in 2022. Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, the reigning NFL Rookie of the Year, quickly ascended to one of the best cornerbacks in the league in his first year with the New York Jets. His 87.4 grade made him the No. 1 rated cornerback by PFF. The former No. 4 pick is PFF's top cornerback heading into the 2023 season.

"Sauce" was credited with allowing a 53.9 passer rating and only allowed a reception on 45.9 percent of the passes that came his way.

Tariq Woolen had a similar effect on the Seattle Seahawk's defense. As a rookie, Woolen led the league in interceptions with six. PFF credited Woolen with allowing a 72.1 passer rating.

If any areas of Washington's defense needed to improve, it was the secondary and the ability to force turnovers. Forbes fits what the Commanders' defense needs to go to the next level.

If Forbes can follow in the footsteps of "Sauce" and Woolen, he won't just elevate Washington's defense. Forbes may be why the Commanders play meaningful games in January. 

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