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Fans of the Washington Commanders badly wanted an offensive lineman early in the 2023 NFL draft. But after the top four offensive tackles were off the board in the first 14 picks, Washington wisely stood pat and selected Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes at No. 16 overall.
The Commanders released a pre-draft diary earlier this month that showed how much they loved Forbes ahead of the draft. Washington even tried to move up for Forbes, so we aren’t sure Forbes would not have been the pick even if some of those offensive tackles were still on the board.
Forbes hit the ground running for the Commanders, impressing at the rookie minicamp, leading one coach to proclaim he was “really f—–g good.” From there, Forbes kept that momentum through OTAs and the mandatory minicamp. Forbes locked up with Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson and won some of those battles.
ESPN recently asked the team reporters for all 31 picks from the 2023 NFL draft how each respective first-round pick has fared so far. John Keim had the following to say about Forbes:
Forbes was always around the ball and got his hands on numerous passes throughout spring practices — intercepting a few. He impressed teammates and coaches with how he handled workouts, giving them hope that he’ll create big plays for the defense. Forbes worked mostly on the outside with the starters, though the Commanders did use him inside on occasion — in part to help him read routes even better and just in case they get in a pinch because of injuries. Forbes’ size was noteworthy; he’s a skinny 166 pounds. He showed he can adapt, however, by using quickness and length to prevent receivers and tight ends from bullying him.
It’s way early, but the Commanders are clearly thrilled about Forbes and excited about the role he could provide on defense in 2023. He’s expected to be an immediate starter.