STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football cornerback Emmanuel Forbes was selected by the Washington Commanders with the 16th pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. It marks the second consecutive year MSU has had a defensive back drafted, with the Cleveland Browns taking Martin Emerson in 2022.

Forbes, a Grenada, Mississippi, native spent three seasons with the Bulldogs – appearing in 35 games and recording 14 interceptions. He was a 2022 AP All-America second team selection.

Here’s what the Commanders are getting in Forbes.

MSU FOOTBALL: Tulu Griffin just one of the players impressive in Mississippi State football spring game

NEW LOOK: Why Will Rogers wants eyes on Mississippi State football's new offense under Zach Arnett

RECRUITING: Jay Lindsey, Matthew Mayfield commit to Mississippi State football, coach Zach Arnett

The positives

Of those 14 interceptions, Forbes returned six for a touchdown – tying the all-time FBS record. His coverage skills are met with an ability to create plays when the ball is in his hands.

With Mississippi State running a 3-3-5 defense and often bringing pressure, Forbes was forced into man coverage and thrived. His six interceptions last season in man coverage were most in the nation, with no other cornerback having more than three, per Pro Football Focus.

Forbes also impacted the game outside of defense. He timed a snap and blocked a field goal last season which led to a crucial touchdown in MSU’s win against Texas A&M.

The concerns

Forbes’ weight was the biggest talking point in his draft process. At MSU’s Pro Day, Forbes said he weighed in at 170 pounds. He was at 166 pounds a few weeks earlier at the NFL Scouting Combine.

There is evident concern among NFL coaches and general managers about Forbes’ ability to play in the league at that weight, and perhaps he can put on pounds in a professional weight room. However, his weight never led to injury issues at MSU.

Forbes missed just one game in his career, and he says it was due to a non-football injury.

Final thoughts

Like Forbes’ style of play, the risk is worth the reward. At his ceiling, Forbes can change the game in an instant. He did so at Kentucky last season when he timed a screen pass from Will Levis and took it 59 yards for a touchdown.

Measurables are discussed a lot before drafts, but when it’s time to take the field, Forbes should prove to be a worthwhile selection.

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @skrajisnik3.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Washington Commanders pick Mississippi State's Emmanuel Forbes in 2023 NFL Draft