Potential Breakthrough: Patriots Stumble Upon Golden Opportunity to Address Roster Need
Throughout the season, it’s apparent that there are many holes on the New England Patriots roster. But the loss to the Miami Dolphins last Sunday showed a very clear one on the defensive side of the ball.
And that’s at the cornerback position.
The Patriots have Christian Gonzalez, who has lined up against the opposing team’s top receiver numerous times this season. But when team’s having a numerous weapons, Gonzalez can’t be everywhere. And after watching the Rams exploit that, the Dolphins also took full advantage.
Gonzalez lined up with Tyreek Hill, but that left Jaylen Waddle and Jonnu Smith battling against the others. Considering Waddle finished with eight receptions for 144 yards and one touchdown, while Smith had nine receptions for 87 yards and one touchdown, you can guess how things went.
But a roster move on Saturday put the Patriots in an interesting position.
The Washington Commanders released former first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes Jr., who was drafted just one pick above Gonzalez.
Forbes played three years at Mississippi State, where he had 149 total tackles, 22 passes defended, one sack, one forced fumble, and 14 interceptions.
However, he hasn’t been able to show what he’s capable of since coming to the NFL. Last season, he was benched due to poor play, and then this season was beaten out by others on the roster. Despite dealing with a wrist injury, he has been considered a healthy scratch for a couple games this year.
Forbes has struggled in man coverage, but cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino could add him to the room as more of a project, helping him develop.
The Patriots now have the fourth waiver priority, so they could put in a claim.
He’s a former first-round pick, so he clearly has potential and just needs the right team to help him develop.
