The 2023 NFL draft is just over two weeks away, and we here at Commanders Wire will look to profile multiple 2023 prospects daily leading up to day one of the draft.
We will focus on prospects who could be available for Washington and who fit a position of need. Our prospect profiles will not be exclusive to projected first-round picks only but also players who will be selected on the second and third days of the NFL draft.
The Commanders are first on the clock at No. 16 overall.
Today, we profile Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes.
The numbers
Size: 6-foot-1, 166 pounds
40-yard dash: 4.35 seconds
Arms: 32 1/4″
Hands: 8 1/2″
Vertical jump: 37.5″
Broad jump: 10’11”
10-yard split: 1.48 seconds
Scouting report
The first thing you notice about Forbes is his size. He’s thin. And there’s not a long history of cornerbacks under 180 pounds who’ve succeeded at a high level in the NFL. However, if you watch him long enough, you’ll come away impressed. He’s sticky in coverage, has excellent recovery speed and has a knack for making plays on the ball. Forbes tied the FBS record for interceptions returned for touchdowns.
Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein said about Forbes:
Forbes is long, can run and has a talent for taking the ball away, which means he has a chance to become a coveted cornerback. However, his wire-thin frame does not work in his favor. Forbes’ instincts and recognition are fun to watch. He pounces on quick-game throws and has the ball skills to take the ball away. He’s highly capable in all forms of zone coverage and operates out of press-man, but is inconsistent matching the release and staying in phase with routes through sharp cuts. His slender build and lack of tackle strength will make him a target for opposing running games. Forbes could become an early starter with quality ball production, but teams might need to expect some up-and-down performances.
College stats
2020: Appeared in 11 games, making 9 starts, with 45 tackles, 5 interceptions for 183 yards and 3 touchdowns. Forbes also defended six passes. Freshman All-American.
2021: Started all 13 games and recorded 60 tackles, including five for loss and one sack. Forbes intercepted three passes and broke up five passes.
2022: Started all 12 games, and finished with 46 tackles, 6 interceptions for 174 yards and three touchdowns. Forbes also broke up 10 passes. Named AP second-team All-American.
Highlights
Fit with Commanders
Forbes is a starting outside cornerback for the Commanders if he’s the pick. His arrival would move Kendall Fuller inside, allowing Washington to start Forbes on the outside opposite Benjamin St-Juste. It could potentially give the Commanders their best trio of cornerbacks in years.
Washington’s coaches like physical defensive backs, so there is a concern about Forbes’ size. However, you can’t deny his propensity to force turnovers and impact the scoreboard. Forbes has a nose for the ball, and the Commanders could use an aggressive cornerback who can make plays.
