Dan Quinn has completely turned around the Dallas Cowboys defense since arriving in 2021. The former Atlanta Falcons head coach quickly proved to be the one coordinator owner Jerry Jones could not lose.
Quinn has had overtures from other NFL teams to be a head coach over the last two offseasons, yet he chose to remain in Dallas.
Quinn’s success in revitalizing the Cowboys defense, along with linebacker/pass rusher Micah Parsons, has given Dallas a defense on par with its explosive offense.
In the 2023 NFL draft, the Cowboys added more help for Quinn’s defense. In the first round, Dallas selected freakishly athletic Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith at No. 26 overall. In the third round, the Cowboys added Texas linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, who could be a star in Quinn’s scheme.
However, did the Cowboys have another defensive player in their sights?
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys were keeping an eye on Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes.
The Cowboys were closely watching Mississippi State corner Emmanuel Forbes, who went No. 16 overall to Washington.
Some were surprised the Commanders selected Forbes at No. 16 overall over Christian Gonzalez. But some teams preferred Forbes, including Washington. It sounds like Quinn and the Cowboys were fans, too. Of course, that doesn’t mean Dallas liked Forbes ahead of Gonzalez, but it is something when another top defensive coach saw the same thing Forbes that Washington did.
Quinn has a specific type for each position on his defense, and Forbes fits that profile.
Now, the Commanders hope Forbes can become a thorn in Dallas’ side over the next decade.
