The biggest knock against Washington Commanders first-round cornerback Emmanuel Forbes ahead of the 2023 NFL draft was his size. Forbes weighed 166 pounds at the NFL combine earlier this year.
While Forbes is slight, he’s tough. In three years at Mississippi State — playing in the rugged SEC — Forbes only missed one game. It wasn’t due to injury. He had 14 interceptions in three seasons, six of which he returned for touchdowns — an FBS record.
After drafting him, the Commanders praised Forbes’ overall game. They had no concerns. In the preseason opener at Cleveland, on third and goal, Forbes stormed the Browns’ backfield, tackling the running back for a loss and bringing up fourth and goal.
On the first day of Washington’s joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens, Forbes was all over the place. He was locked into battles with Odell Beckham Jr., and first-round pick Zay Flowers. He won some and lost some.
However, it was his battle with Ravens wide receiver Tylan Wallace that made headlines. After Wallace made a short catch, Forbes reached for the ball, which apparently angered Wallace, who threw a punch.
Forbes didn’t back down; he punched him back.
And here it is. The first fight of joint practices between the #Ravens and #Commanders.
Tylan Wallace vs. Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
Devin Duvernay flying in.
Laquon Treadwell with a good shot too.
Mark Andrews involved in another scirmish on the next snap. pic.twitter.com/j4Eb8g6YGb
— Shawn Stepner (@StepnerWMAR) August 15, 2023
After practice, NBC 4 Washington caught up with Forbes and asked him about the skirmish.
“It’s just competing out there; iron sharpens iron,” Forbes said. We just going to compete. Just stripping at the ball, and tempers flared. Just competing at the end of the day.”
#Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes comments on fight with #Ravens WR Tylan Wallace after a joint practice. pic.twitter.com/KD8C9yvQns
— D.C. (@dcheston88) August 15, 2023
Forbes has the right attitude. He isn’t going to back down. And he isn’t taking things personally.
The best cornerbacks are the ones who get in the heads of the opposition. Is that Forbes already?