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NFL world reacts to former Commanders' first-round pick's success

November 24, 2025
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The Washington Commanders selected cornerback Emmanuel Forbes with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Forbes didn’t even last two seasons with Washington, having been released in the middle of his second season. The Los Angeles Rams claimed Forbes and his rookie contract off waivers.

Forbes ended up playing in 20 games for the Commanders, making seven starts, recording 45 tackles, 12 passes defended and two interceptions. Not only was Forbes quickly benched by Washington’s new coaching staff, led by the respected Dan Quinn, but he was benched during his rookie season by the staff that surprisingly used a first-round pick on him.

Most fans would be irate when a new regime quickly moves on from a recent high draft pick. Not Washington fans. They were all for releasing Forbes, even if it meant playing struggling veteran Michael Davis. Commanders’ fans lament Forbes’ selection, seeing that he went ahead of cornerback Christian Gonzalez (Patriots, 17th overall) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks, 20th overall). Could you imagine how much better Washington’s defense would be with Gonzalez? What about an offense where you could pair Terry McLaurin with Smith-Njigba, catching passes from Jayden Daniels?

Forbes would only play in two games for Los Angeles in 2025. Clearly, though, the Rams were invested in Forbes in the long term.

That investment appears to be paying off, with Forbes emerging as a key piece to one of the league’s best — and youngest — defenses. He has appeared in all 11 games this season, making eight starts and picking off three passes, including one in Sunday night’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Now, every time Forbes makes a play, there’s a social media comment saying the Commanders “fumbled” Forbes.

Interesting, eh?

When Forbes intercepted Baker Mayfield on Sunday Night Football, several people weighed in on Forbes. Before we see some of those comments, it’s important to note that Forbes just wasn’t going to work in Washington. He had zero confidence. Remember him crying on the sideline after A.J. Brown burned him time and again? That’s not a knock on Forbes. It’s reality. He lost his confidence and has battled back. Now, he’s playing for, arguably the league’s best coach — Sean McVay — and for a team that had patience.

Now, for those comments.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Former Commanders’ 1st-round pick Emmanuel Forbes succeeding with Rams

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