The Washington Commanders announced a number of roster changes on Saturday, including parting ways with a previous first-round selection pick. Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, taken 16th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been released after one and a half disappointing seasons.
But what is that move’s significance to the New England Patriots? Forbes was famously selected one pick before the Patriots signed Christian Gonzalez, who has subsequently evolved into one of the league’s top cornerbacks.
Gonzalez, along with Devon Witherspoon, was largely regarded as one of the two top cornerbacks in the 2023 draft class. While Witherspoon went to Seattle at No. 5 overall, Gonzalez curiously remained on the board until the back half of the first round—apparently falling into the Commanders’ Lap at No. 16. However, despite the fact that the team needed cornerback help, it chose Forbes over Gonzalez. The Patriots, who had originally moved back from the 14th pick, wasted no time in making their selection: it took only around 30 seconds of the available 10 minutes for New England to turn in its card. Since then, both players have evolved differently. Gonzalez is performing at an All-Pro level despite missing the most of his rookie season due to a shoulder injury; Forbes was a part-time player as a rookie and has appeared in only six games this season.
While Washington’s organizational upheaval this offseason did not help him, he also failed to live up to his first-round status, particularly in relation to Gonzalez. Despite supposedly bulking up to 180 pounds, he struggled with tackles and run defense and was unable to replicate his ball success at the next level.
Forbes has been let go. When he hits the waiver wire, the NFL’s 31 other teams will have a chance to claim him, including the Patriots at No. 4, who have an underappreciated need at cornerback.
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