It wasn’t long ago that the Washington Commanders couldn’t find one reliable safety. Since the tragic death of Sean Taylor all the way back in 2007, Washington has tried everything at safety.
Washington signed veterans, spent mid-round picks, late-round picks and converted cornerbacks to safety, hoping to find a reliable duo.
Nothing lasted.
However, when the Commanders spent a seventh-round draft pick on Arkansas safety Kamren Curl in 2020, they knew they had something special. Now in his third season, Curl is not only one of Washington’s better players, but he’s also one the best young safeties in the NFL.
He isn’t the only young Commanders’ safety standing out.
Darrick Forrest was a fifth-round selection in the 2021 NFL draft. Forrest was an outstanding college player at Cincinnati but was often overshadowed by other defensive backs on his team, namely Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner.
Forrest was injured for the first half of his rookie season and contributed mostly on special teams. However, he had a strong offseason that carried into training camp. Forrest started for Curl in Washington’s first two games this season and was a difference-maker.
Now, 10 games into the 2022 season, Forrest and Curl are quietly proving to be one of the NFL’s top safety duos. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, Curl and Forrest are ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, at safety.
The versatility of Washington’s young safeties allowed veteran defensive back Bobby McCain to play in the slot, keeping Forrest and Curl on the field together on most snaps. Forrest has impressive range, allowing Curl to play closer to the line of scrimmage.
Quietly, the Commanders have built one of the best young secondaries in the NFL.
