It was a difficult year for Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes in 2023. The No. 16 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft was benched multiple times and only inserted back into the lineup late in the season when Washington was without several other cornerbacks.
The former Mississippi State star played in 14 games for the year, making six starts, recording 38 tackles, 11 passes defended, and one interception.
Pro Football Focus gave Forbes a grade of 50.9 for his rookie season. Per PFF’s metrics, he was targeted 60 times, with opposing passers completing 39 passes against Forbes. Opposing quarterbacks completed an average of 65% of their passes when targeting Forbes.
Forbes struggled badly early in the season when matched up with star wideouts, such as A.J. Brown and D.J. Moore. In fairness to Forbes, he should’ve never been in single coverage against those receivers.
No player on Washington’s roster should benefit from a coaching change more than Forbes.
Once the Commanders’ season ended and they clinched the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, some fans were dreaming about the potential of USC quarterback — and Washington, D.C. native — Caleb Williams coming home.
One fan even made a GIF of Williams taking his trademark No. 13 jersey away from Forbes.
Forbes saw the tweet and responded.
Since posting that tweet, Forbes has since deleted it, but the Internet lives forever.
Hopefully, for Forbes, Washington’s next defensive coordinator can help restore his confidence so he can bounce back in 2024 — whether he wears No. 13 or not.