Trying to identify which draft mistake was Ron Rivera's worst is difficult. Washington Commanders fans debate the topic often, but there are so many to choose from.
One NFL analyst lent his thoughts to the subject. He also revealed an alternative route that was staring Rivera in the face, but he was simply too stubborn to see it.
Rivera's inability to properly evaluate college talent played a leading role in his eventual demise. None of his first-round picks are still around. None came close to seeing out their rookie deals. That is a damning indictment of his credentials and left the Commanders playing catch up.
Commanders' picking Emmanuel Forbes Jr. over Christian Gonzalez was a major fumble
The final nail in Rivera's proverbial coffin centered on taking Emmanuel Forbes Jr. at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Matt Holder from The Bleacher Report named this as Washington's worst draft pick over the last five years. He also outlined a painful alternate reality that large sections of the Washington fan base were clamoring for at the time.
"The Mississippi State product was an interception machine and playmaker in college, collecting 14 picks in three seasons and leaving as the FBS leader in career pick-sixes with six. However, his razor-thin build at just under 6’1” and 166 pounds has been an issue in the NFL, as Forbes attempts to revive his career with the Los Angeles Rams. Another reason why the former Bulldog is the Commanders’ biggest draft whiff is that [Chris] Gonzalez was the next player off the board. The Oregon product was the better prospect and earned a second-team All-Pro bid last year, so this is a case where Washington’s decision makers at the time just over thought the pick."
Matt Holder
Nobody expected Christian Gonzalez to be available when the Commanders went on the clock. He was projected as a potential top-five pick and a lock for the top 10 before slipping through the cracks. Rivera resisted the temptation due to his infatuation with Forbes, which reportedly led to some heated discussions in the draft room.
Bill Belichick, who was the New England Patriots head coach at the time, knew who the Commanders were going to pick. He traded down to No. 17 knowing that he'd get his preferred prospect. Gonzalez was a second-team All-Pro last season. Forbes was phased out quickly in Washington and eventually waived.
This was Rivera's last tragic tale. Hindsight is a wonderful thing to have, but the pre-draft concerns around Forbes proved accurate. As did Gonzalez's upside as a potential lockdown presence.
The Commanders' cornerback room could be an area of strength in 2025. It would be even stronger with Gonzalez.
More Commanders news and analysis