The Washington Commanders’ tenure with Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was a complete failure. Ron Rivera was enamoured with the NCAA cornerback’s ball-hawking abilities going into the 2023 NFL Draft. In his attempt to select him at No. 16 overall, he was obstinate to the point of being stubborn. Most analysts gave Christian Gonzalez a significantly higher grade and predicted that he would be selected in the top 10. Rivera refused to budge from Forbes, even when the Oregon prospect fell short of expectations and into Washington’s lap. It turned out that during his tenure as head coach, this was the final in a string of first-round errors.
The Commanders fired Forbes not even two years later. The new government didn’t like him. Other factors contributing to his demise were his small stature and incapacity to span the border efficiently. When Washington finally cut the cord, the fan base shrugged collectively. It was quite unexpected that Forbes found a new home so soon. The Los Angeles Rams grabbed the Mississippi State product off waivers, giving him a fresh start and a solid environment to launch his career.
Following Commanders’ departure, Emmanuel Forbes Jr. is welcoming a new beginning. Fans were harsh in their comments on a Forbes social media practice video. The defensive back should ignore the outside commotion, concentrate on honing his skill, and grab his opportunity when it presents itself. That’s the only way he can make things better.
When Forbes was questioned about his time in Washington, there was a hint of sadness in his voice. He accepted the decision to let him leave and admitted that things didn’t turn out the way everyone had intended. Additionally, the player is keen to seize his second chance. Because there may not be a third after everything is considered.
Forbes was treated fairly by the Commanders. With four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore set to return following Washington’s bye week, he was falling down the depth chart. They released him for a fresh start in his NFL career rather than adding to his suffering and eroding his already-gone confidence. More than anything else, this tragic story is an indictment of Rivera. Prior to the 2023 draft, no one had Forbes tabbed as a first-round pick. They believed that in the professionals, his size—or lack thereof—could be overwhelming. Once again, the former head coach of Washington was shown to be mistaken. In less than a year since Josh Harris took over, Washington has now cut all four of Rivera’s first-round picks. Forbes was the last, and arguably biggest, error in judgment.
Whether this has a ripple effect on his ability to make an impression with the Rams remains to be seen. It’ll be interesting to see how much resolve lies within.
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