A slender frame was the biggest knock against Washington Commanders rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes coming out of this year’s NFL Draft. While many pundits love his ball-hawking skills, Forbes’s 6-foot, 166-pound frame is concerning.
Forbes made his professional debut Friday, playing in the Commanders’ preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns. It may have been one play, but the Mississippi State product momentarily silenced critics with a solid tackle against the goal line.
On a third-and-goal from the one-yard line, Forbes came off the edge of Washington’s goal line formation to wrap up and stop Browns running back Demetric Felton Jr with help from safety Kam Curl.
The Commanders finished the goal line stance on the next play with a Montez Sweat tackle for loss on fourth down.
In college, Forbes set the NCAA FBS record with six interceptions returned for a touchdown. He has displayed his pass coverage skills and eye for the football throughout training camp. But questions existed about his tackling ability.
For one play, Forbes answered. He showed he could dip his shoulder and stuff the ball carrier in the box.
