2023 NFL Draft Grades: Rating every first-round pick by value
By Kinnu Singh
2023 NFL Draft Grades: Rating every first-round pick by value
16. With the 16th overall pick, the Washington Commanders select…
Positional Ranking: 5. CB. Mississippi State. Emmanuel Forbes. C+. No. 26 in Top 50. player. 58
Only time will tell why Emmanuel Forbes was taken by the Commanders at No. 16, but as it currently stands, it seems that Washington could have taken another cornerback at this point.
The fact that Forbes is skilled at playing zone and man coverage is a major benefit, the main critique being about how his slender frame will match up against NFL receivers. At this pick, the Commanders could have taken Christian Gonzalez, Deonte Banks or even Joey Porter Jr., who wasn’t drafted by any team on Day 1.
Pre-draft rankings don’t predict the future, and perhaps Forbes will ultimately be the best fit for Washington. Considering that the Commanders had alternate, potentially improved options at No. 16 weighs slightly against this selection.
17. With the 17th overall pick, the New England Patriots select…
No. 11 in Top 50. Christian Gonzalez. Oregon. A+. player. 47. Positional Ranking: 2. CB
This is a fantastic selection, partially because the Patriots need a cornerback like Gonzalez, and partially because Gonzalez wasn’t expected to be available at this point.
Funnily enough, the Patriots seemed to relish ruining the first round for the Jets, but in doing so, they were able to pick up a fourth-round pick, trade back and still manage to draft Gonzalez.
Gonzalez is athletically gifted and fluid in his coverage, and with Bill Belichick coaching up his technique, he could easily become the most successful cornerback in this class.
Even though the Patriots did need an edge rusher (which they drafted later anyway in Keion White), this was the perfect pick at No. 17.