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Emmanuel Forbes: Grading the Commanders’ No. 16 NFL Draft Pick

By Michael Hanich

Mar 3, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi State defensive back Emmanuel Forbes (DB12) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi State defensive back Emmanuel Forbes (DB12) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes has been selected No. 16 overall by the Washington Commanders and here is our grade for the pick.

The Washington Commanders took one early look at this quarterback class in the 2023 NFL Draft and decided to take their chances for the 2024 NFL Draft. In the meanwhile, the Commanders decided to address their biggest concerns on the defensive side of the ball in a cornerback.

Rather than draft the best available cornerback in Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez, the Commanders picked the trendy, slim, and efficient man coverage cornerback in Emmanuel Forbes.

Grading EmmanuelForbes to the Commanders

Just a few seasons ago, the defense of Washington was among the top defenses in the NFL. In the 2021 season, the defensive production slipped as the secondary was the key issue.

This past season, the Commanders’ defense ranked seventh in the league in points allowed per game (20.2) and fourth in passing yards allowed per game (191.3). There was not much consistency at cornerback outside of Kendall Fuller.

Forbes has been a solid incredible three-year starting cornerback for a Bulldogs defense. In his three years at Mississippi State, Forbes accumulated 150 total tackles, 94 solo tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 14 interceptions, six defensive touchdowns, and 20 pass breakups. This past season was his most impactful season as a man-coverage cornerback as he accounted for 46 total tackles, six interceptions, three defensive touchdowns, and 10 pass breakups.

Emmanuel Forbes is not the sexiest pick for the Commanders, but for a team facing a tough future in the middle of the draft, it is one of the best moves they could make.

Grade: B+

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