Commanders WR Jahan Dotson Believing The Hype Surrounding CB Emmanuel Forbes

The Washington Commanders have an exciting duo of first-round picks in receiver Jahan Dotson entering his second season, and cornerback Emmanuel Forbes coming in as a rookie.

UPPER MARLBORO, MD. -- The Washington Commanders had already dedicated a lot of resources to the defensive side of the ball prior to 2023, but that didn't stop the team from spending another first-round NFL Draft pick on that side of the ball.

In fact, it didn't stop the Commanders from adding two defensive players with their first two picks of this year's draft. Something that surprised everyone, but is making sense the further we get into the offseason program. 

Both defensive backs Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin have been converting non-believers into excited supporters with every practice they get onto the field for. 

And one notable person who's fully bought into the hype now is Washington's second-year receiver and 2022 first-round pick, Jahan Dotson.

"Both are very good," Dotson said of his new teammates while participating in a Next Gen Camps event at Riverside Baptist School in Upper Marlboro, MD last weekend. "I understand why they were both drafted that high. Honestly, I watched the tape (of Forbes) and I was like, 'I think he's good, but I don't know.' But after seeing him on the field I know how good he is now, I understand why he was drafted in the first round, (and) I understand what all the hype is about. I honestly can't wait to see him play on Sundays because I think he's going to make a lot of plays."

Dotson isn't the only member of the Commanders who recently voiced his excitement to see Forbes on the field. 

At the conclusion of the team's OTA practices defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio didn't shy away from expressing his appreciation of what his rookie is doing on the practice field. 

"Really fired up about getting (Forbes)," Del Rio said. "I think he's a tremendous football player. You know, he's fast. He's got great ball skills...Very productive. So happy to get him."

Speed, ball skills, and production are three things Dotson brought to the receiver group in Washington's draft class last season.

Now, he's got a counterpart and a teammate who can give him challenging reps on a daily basis. 

And each young man is going to be a key contributor to whatever level of success the Commanders reach this coming season.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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