Emmanuel Forbes is one of only two first-round picks from the Ron Rivera era still with the Washington Commanders after the team traded Jahan Dotson to Philadelphia on Thursday.
Now, Forbes, a second-year cornerback, is under pressure to improve after a tough rookie year. Forbes was selected 16th overall in the 2023 draft and started the first five games of the season. However, he was benched by Week 6 after giving up 401 receiving yards in those games.
Despite some ups and downs afterward, Forbes wasn’t alone in struggling. The Commanders allowed the most passing yards and touchdowns in the league last season.
With Dan Quinn, the new defensive coordinator hired after three years with the Dallas Cowboys, Forbes gets another chance to show his skills. Leaving last season behind, Forbes aims for a significant role this year.
“I have big goals for myself,” Forbes said Wednesday. “Winning is the main goal for the team, and I just need to be the best version of myself.”
Forbes must earn his spot. On the team’s first unofficial depth chart early in training camp, he was listed as a backup.
“I’m going to compete hard every play, but there are always things I can improve,” Forbes said. “I’m excited to be my best.”
The defensive back position is highly competitive. Forbes is competing with Benjamin St-Juste and Michael Davis for the outside cornerback spots, with rookie Mike Sainristil expected to start as well.
New defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. mentioned that he needs to do a better job teaching how to make interceptions on deep passes, referring to Forbes and St-Juste, another high pick from the 2021 draft.
