Commanders GM Martin Mayhew on 'Game-Changer' Emmanuel Forbes: 'He Gets The Ball!'

The Washington Commanders added a ball-hawk cornerback in Emmanuel Forbes with their No.16 pick, and general manager Martin Mayhew called him a 'game changer.'

The Washington Commanders didn't have a pressing need at any position hence why entering the draft, many didn't know the direction the franchise would go with the No. 16 pick.

With the offense in a good space, it was Jack Del Rio's defense that added cornerback Emmanuel Forbes out of Mississippi State. 

Washington struggled to get consistent takeaways last year (just nine interceptions), and Commanders general manager Martin Mayhew is happy with the selection of Forbes.

But what does Mayhew think of his newest addition?

"Well, he's a difference maker," Mayhew said. "He is a game changer. I think people throw around the term ballhawk pretty loosely. This guy really is that. 14 career picks. He had six last year. He's got six touchdowns, six picks-sixes in his career. He does a really good job playing the ball. 

"He's a former receiver, great ball skills. The guy is an impact player. He's one of my favorite guys in this draft. From studying all these guys, he really was a guy that it was really fun to watch cuz the guy gets the ball."

Despite his slight frame, Forbes will add some much-needed juice to Washington's secondary next season. Already one of the better units in the league, Del Rio's unit is getting a genuine ball hawk who takes the ball away for fun.

With Darrick Forrest improving in his second season and veteran Kendall Fuller to guide him, Forbes has a great environment to step in and become a viable player straight away for the defense.

It was a need that Washington addressed, and with Forbes, Del Rio's unit gets a genuine playmaker in its secondary. While the move to Washington is "changing his life," the Commander's defense will be hoping that his addition will also change their trajectory for the upcoming season.

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