Emmanuel Forbes making impressions on Washington Commanders with adaptability

Let’s check in with the Washington Commanders and how rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes is faring after weeks of OTAs and two minicamps.

Well, he’s withstood the rigors of workouts, so far. At 166 pounds, the concern was Forbes’ slight frame might be an issue in the NFL. So far, it hasn’t. He’s just too fast for any player to get off a shot.

ESPN did a peak-in at all 31 first rounders from this year’s draft to assess how they’re looking with the approach of next month’s training camps. Emmanuel Forbes earned some respect.

From ESPN: “Forbes was always around the ball and got his hands on numerous passes throughout spring practices — intercepting a few. He impressed teammates and coaches with how he handled workouts, giving them hope that he’ll create big plays for the defense. Forbes worked mostly on the outside with the starters, though the Commanders did use him inside on occasion — in part to help him read routes even better and just in case they get in a pinch because of injuries. Forbes’ size was noteworthy; he’s a skinny 166 pounds. He showed he can adapt, however, by using quickness and length to prevent receivers and tight ends from bullying him.“

Commanders cornerback is slight of size but blazing fast

The Commanders were able to ignore Forbes’ lack of great size because he had such exceptional speed. He ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine back in early March. Plus, he had a knack for momentum-swinging plays back at Mississippi State. He intercepted six passes last year, returning three for touchdowns. He notched six pick sixes for his career to set an FBS record.

“He’s got a great anticipation of routes,” Commanders defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer said of Forbes. “The other thing is you watch him get in and out of breaks. He does a great job. His transition of his feet is so quick.”

Forbes also is quick with a smile and has enjoyed talking to Commanders fans. One such moment went viral after rookie minicamp. A woman, who identified herself as a senior Commanders fan, suggested he study film of former Washington Redskin Darrell Green. The two are somewhat similar although they played four decades apart. Green was a former first-rounder who had fleet feet. Washington selected him in the first round of the 1983 draft. He played until 2002 and maintained the title of NFL’s fastest man for much of his career.

“Really fired up about getting him, adding him to the squad,” defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio told reporters. “I think he’s a tremendous football player. You know, he’s fast. He’s got great ball skills. He’s very bright, and he played against some of the best competition that you can in the SEC and held up week in and week out was a playmaker. Very productive. So happy to get ’em.”