Commanders Coach Ron Rivera Praises Emmanuel Forbes' 'Tremendous Skill Set'

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera is high on Mississippi State rookie Emmanuel Forbes.

The Washington Commanders have a handful of young players that they are hoping to build the franchise around, and first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes has made a case to be one of them.

The Mississippi State product exploded this past season, racking up six interceptions and returning three for pick-sixes earning All-SEC Honors. He is now anchoring one side of the Commanders' defense and while he's still young, head coach Ron Rivera has seen his promise and spoke highly of him when discussing the youngster with the media recently.

“He's got a tremendous skill set," Rivera said. "He’s got great quicks, he's got a great plant and drive. Sometimes his footwork, his body positions, he can be better at it. He really can. He's such a young player and I just think it's about him refining the technique that he's going to use and he's going to play with."

Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera / Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Through Washington's first three games, Forbes has fared quite well as a rookie. He has racked up nine total tackles, three pass deflections, and an interception. 

However, Forbes and the Commanders did not have the weekend showing they were hoping for in their blowout 37-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills this past week. They will be tested again this Sunday against one of the best offensive attacks in the league, as they are set to hit the road to take on division rivals in the Philadelphia Eagles.

Forbes will be tasked with covering elite pass catchers like DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown who form one of the most dangerous receiver tandems in the league. The Eagles' offense ranks No. 6 in yards per game, and while they do have elite receivers also have the No. 2 rushing attack in the league meaning Forbes will be needed for run support. 

If last Sunday wasn't a welcome-to-the-league moment for Forbes, it's quite possible that this week could be.