College Football: Replacements for every first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft

16. Mississippi State football replacement for Emmanuel Forbes (Commanders): Esaias Furdge

Emmanuel Forbes was, without question, a stud at cornerback for Mississippi State. But the Bulldogs are actually in great shape to contend with the loss of their star in the secondary as they have two corners in the fold with great experience within the program who are now joined by two intriguing transfers as well.

Decmaerion Richardson is likely to stay in his role from a year ago, which leaves Esaias Furdge, coming into his fifth season with MSU, to take up the spot evacuated by Forbes. He has played some and proven himself well, so Zach Arnett has to feel confident in him taking on a bigger role. With that said, if he struggles, LSU transfer Raydarious Jones and Miami transfer Khamauri Rodgers could get looks to fill in as well.

17. Oregon football replacement for Christian Gonzalez (Patriots): Dontae Manning

Taking into consideration what Dan Lanning was able to do in the transfer portal this offseason, there are going to be some Oregon fans who believe that former Alabama cornerback Khyree Jackson will have a chance to start in the secondary. For me, however, this feels quite obviously like Dontae Manning’s spot to lose.

A former 5-star recruit, Manning has played significant snaps for the Ducks over the past few seasons, but has not been able to get past Gonzalez or Trikweze Bridges — who is back in Eugene for Oregon in 2023 — as a starter. Now, he has experience and obvious pedigree to step into that role and prove what he can do.

It’s another situation not set in stone, but the writing on the wall appears far more clear than in some other programs throughout college football.