The Washington Commanders have slowly built one of the NFC’s most promising secondaries. After spending many resources on the defensive line, Washington has spent early-round picks, mid-round picks and late-round picks in building a formidable group.
The Commanders entered the offseason needing to add another starting-caliber cornerback. Washington chose to address that in the 2023 NFL draft, which was deep at the position. The Commanders used the No. 16 overall selection on Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes.
In the second round, Washington chose Illinois defensive back Quan Martin. Martin can play all over the secondary and figures to play in the slot for the Commanders in 2023.
Now, Washington has three starting cornerbacks in Forbes, Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste. The safeties are also impressive. Kamren Curl, Darrick Forrest, Percy Butler and Jeremy Reaves. Then, you add in Martin, who can play cornerback or safety. This is an impressive group.
Pro Football Focus recently ranked every unit in the NFL and ranked Washington’s secondary No. 11.
This group ranked fifth among teams in coverage grade last season at 82.5. Curl finished second among his peers in overall grade last season, while Fuller ranked top-20 in coverage once again. Washington also targeted the secondary with its first two picks in the 2023 NFL draft, so expect improved play from an already sound group.
When you consider how outstanding Washington’s defensive line is, you realize how special the secondary could be. If things go as planned, the Commanders will apply plenty of pressure on opposing quarterbacks, giving the secondary multiple opportunities to make game-changing plays. That’s why the Commanders were all-in on Forbes.
This group was once questionable but is now an unquestioned team strength.