As we look toward the 2023 regular season, we count down the most important players for the Washington Commanders ahead of training camp. On Monday, No. 24 was running back Antonio Gibson.
We continue our countdown with No. 23, safety Darrick Forrest.
Entering the 2022 NFL season, Forrest was a backup safety and key special teamer. As a rookie fifth-round pick in 2021, Forrest played only eight games. In those eight games, he mainly played on special teams. He played 26 defensive snaps, 20 of which were in Week 18.
In 2022, Forrest stood out in training camp, and it was clear he would impact the defensive depth chart at some point during the season. That came in Week 1. With starting safety Kamren Curl out with a wrist injury, Forrest moved into the starting lineup and played so well that he earned himself a promotion for the remainder of the season.
In the Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Forrest played 96% of the Commanders’ defensive snaps, recorded five tackles, defended two passes, forced a fumble and had a game-changing interception.
It was truly a breakout performance from Forrest. He played 100% of the snaps in Week 2. Curl returned in Week 3, and while Forrest remained a part of Washington’s rotation in the secondary, he didn’t become a permanent starter until Week 10. From that point forward, he played 100% of Washington’s defensive snaps for the final eight games.
Kam Curl & Darrick Forrest.
Underrated tandem that can play at all three levels. pic.twitter.com/o84kiSpKgw
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) June 29, 2023
Now, Forrest is an integral part of Washington’s defense. The Commanders released veteran Bobby McCain in the offseason and spent a first-round pick on cornerback Emmanuel Forbes and a second-round pick on Quan Martin. Forbes will be one of Washington’s top three corners, while Martin can play the slot, outside cornerback, or safety. Martin is expected to cover the slot for the Commanders, but much of that will be determined in training camp.
Everyone knew Forrest was a physical presence who could impact the running game. However, Forrest proved he could handle playing deep safety, too. That type of versatility makes him a critical piece to Washington’s secondary.
