In the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders selected Mississippi State University’s very own cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. with the 16th pick.
This marks the 16th time in NFL Draft history that a former Bulldog has come off the board in the first round, and the Commanders have themselves a game-changer.
During his collegiate career in the Maroon and White, Forbes has racked up 94 solo tackles, 22 pass deflections and 14 interceptions – six of which he took to the house giving him the FBS record for most career interceptions returned for a touchdown.
Thursday morning, just hours before the 2023 NFL Draft commenced in Kansas City, Missouri, Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera discussed his game plan to get their guy.
“The big thing for us is if Emmanuel Forbes is sitting there, [that is] an opportunity to get our guy,” Rivera said. “[Forbes] is one of the guys that we really highly covet right now. [He is] a playmaker, he’s a turnover machine and that can impact our defense in a very good way.”
The Commanders did just that. They got their guy, and he happens to be one of the most talented athletes in this year’s draft class. Since playing high school ball at Grenada High School, Forbes has always been the total package. 
Forbes will look to make an immediate impact in his rookie year, similar to former teammate and current Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. who was arguably one of the best cornerbacks on the Browns in 2022. 
Shortly after Forbes was drafted by the Commanders, he had an emphatic pitch to Mississippi recruits. 
“Mississippi recruits, you don’t have to go anywhere other than Mississippi State to be a first-round NFL Draft pick. We run the Sip,’” Forbes said.