ASHBURN — The Washington Commanders drafted Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes with the 16th overall pick Thursday — a selection that projects to fill a big need for the franchise.
Forbes, a 6-foot-1 ball-hawking cornerback, excelled in college as he recorded 14 interceptions and 35 pass deflections in three seasons. Though he is small — he weighed just 166 pounds at the NFL combine — Forbes plays with blazing speed and has a history of producing turnovers.
The Commanders had been linked to Forbes throughout the draft process and hosted him for a private visit on April 6.
By selecting Forbes, the Commanders passed on notable names such as Kentucky quarterback Will Levis and Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez was regarded by many draft experts as the top cornerback in this year’s draft, but he unexpectedly fell out of the top 10 — leading the New England Patriots to select him 17th overall.
But the Commanders are likely more than happy with Forbes, whose history of playing zone defense should fit well in defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio’s scheme. Washington was in need of a No. 1 corner after trading William Jackson III last season. Kendall Fuller, Washington’s top corner, is also set to become a free agent after next season.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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