The Washington Commanders have long struggled to find consistency and success through the NFL Draft, and cornerback Emmanuel Forbes is quickly becoming the latest example of the franchise’s drafting misfortunes. Selected 16th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Forbes came into the league with high expectations, touted for his ball-hawking ability and knack for making game-changing plays at Mississippi State. However, his rookie season and subsequent performance have failed to meet the lofty hopes of the team and its fans.
Forbes’ selection was a polarizing one from the outset. Critics pointed to his slight frame—standing 6 feet tall but weighing only 166 pounds—as a potential liability in the NFL, where physicality and durability are essential for success at the cornerback position. While Forbes was known for his impressive interception numbers in college, questions lingered about whether his playmaking skills could translate against bigger, faster, and more physical NFL receivers.
Unfortunately for Washington, those concerns have been realized on the field. Forbes has struggled with his coverage responsibilities, often being outmatched by opposing wideouts. He has been flagged for penalties, missed tackles, and given up big plays in critical moments. These issues have made him a frequent target for criticism, both from analysts and the Commanders’ own fan base.
The struggles of Forbes are emblematic of a broader problem for the Commanders: a history of questionable draft picks that fail to pan out. In recent years, the franchise has faced scrutiny for investing high-value draft capital in players who do not develop into long-term contributors. From quarterback Dwayne Haskins to wide receiver Josh Doctson, the list of first-round misfires is extensive, leading to a lack of depth and consistent production on the roster.
The Commanders’ inability to capitalize on their draft picks has also contributed to their struggles in maintaining competitiveness in the NFC East. While division rivals such as the Eagles and Cowboys have built strong rosters through savvy drafting and player development, Washington has often lagged behind, relying on free-agent signings or trades to fill gaps caused by draft failures.
Despite Forbes’ early struggles, the Commanders’ coaching staff has expressed hope that he can turn things around with more experience and development. Head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio have both highlighted Forbes’ potential and work ethic, insisting that the young cornerback has the tools to succeed if given time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NFL.
However, the patience of the Commanders’ fan base is wearing thin. With new ownership under Josh Harris and heightened expectations for accountability and results, the pressure is mounting for the team to break its cycle of draft-day disappointments. Whether Forbes can overcome his rocky start and avoid becoming another cautionary tale in Washington’s draft history remains to be seen.
For now, his selection serves as a stark reminder of the challenges the Commanders face in building a sustainable, winning program. The franchise’s long list of draft missteps continues to hinder its progress, leaving fans yearning for a brighter future and a return to the glory days of Washington football.
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