Rams cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. is crafting a narrative of resilience and redemption. Once labeled a draft bust after a tumultuous stint with the Washington Commanders, Forbes is now turning heads in Los Angeles, showing flashes of the elite potential that made him a first-round pick in 2023. Forbes’ journey from adversity to opportunity is becoming one of the league’s most compelling stories. He entered the league at 6 feet and ¾ inches, 166 pounds, making him the lightest cornerback drafted since 1999 (at least). He’s now listed at 180 pounds, having gained significant muscle mass since the Rams’ season ended. He credits the Rams’ staff for helping him bulk up to a size he’s more comfortable playing at and restoring some of his confidence.
A Rocky Start in Washington
Emmanuel Forbes entered the NFL with sky-high expectations. Selected 16th overall by the Washington Commanders in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State, Forbes was celebrated for his ball-hawking prowess. At Mississippi State, he set a Division I record with six pick-sixes and intercepted 14 passes over his college career, earning Consensus All-American honors. His blazing 4.35-second 40-yard dash and uncanny instincts made him a tantalizing prospect, despite his slight 166-pound frame—a rarity for an NFL cornerback.
However, Forbes’ transition to the pros was anything but smooth. The Commanders’ organization was in flux, plagued by front-office turnover and coaching changes. Forbes struggled to find his footing under two different coaching staffs in his first two seasons. In 2023, he started six games but allowed a 60.7% completion rate as the closest defender. The following year, his role diminished further, with only one start and a 75% completion rate allowed in limited action. Injuries, including a thumb issue, and inconsistent playing time compounded his challenges. By December 2024, the Commanders cut ties, waiving Forbes—an unceremonious end to what was supposed to be a cornerstone career in Washington.
The narrative around Forbes at the time was harsh. Critics pointed to his undersized frame, questioning whether he could handle the physicality of NFL receivers. Others argued that Washington’s unstable environment hindered his development. Regardless, Forbes found himself at a career crossroads, with his confidence shaken but his determination intact.
A Fresh Start in Los Angeles
On December 2, 2024, the Los Angeles Rams claimed Forbes off waivers, a low-risk, high-reward move for a team in need of secondary help. Head coach Sean McVay, known for revitalizing careers, saw untapped potential in the 23-year-old cornerback. “He’s a player that we liked as part of the evaluation process coming out a couple of years ago out of Mississippi State,” McVay said. “He had a lot of ball production and showed versatility, competitive toughness on the edge, and good ball skills.”
Forbes’ arrival in Los Angeles marked a new chapter. Reunited with former Commanders teammate Kam Curl, who reached out immediately after the waiver claim, Forbes found a supportive environment. “He was excited,” Forbes said of Curl. “He called me the day that they picked me up, and he was just ready to get going.” The Rams’ defensive scheme, which emphasizes match zone coverages, was a perfect fit for Forbes’ skill set. Unlike Washington’s man-heavy approach, which exposed his size limitations, the Rams’ system allowed Forbes to play off-coverage, leveraging his speed and route-reading ability.
Rams have something brewing or they are really happy with the progress that Emmanuel Forbes is making so far this off season. Everything i’ve read on him has been encouraging. #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/8D2l4wOwGx
— Allen Sales (@AllenSales) June 13, 2025
Forbes made his Rams debut in Week 18 against the Seattle Seahawks, a brief but promising appearance that hinted at his potential. However, it was during the 2025 offseason that Forbes truly began to shine. At Organized Team Activities (OTAs), he turned heads with his improved physicality and confidence. Reports from Rams insiders noted that Forbes had been “grinding every single day,” adding significant muscle to his frame. “He’s gained a good bit of weight through his offseason workouts,” one observer remarked, signaling a commitment to addressing one of his biggest criticisms.
A Pivotal Moment in 2025
As the Rams prepare for the 2025 season, Forbes is at a critical juncture. The team’s secondary, while talented, lacks a true lockdown cornerback in the mold of former star Jalen Ramsey. Veterans like Ahkello Witherspoon and Darious Williams provide stability, while young players like Cobie Durant and Kamren Kinchens show promise, but the unit has been vulnerable to big plays. Forbes, with his first-round pedigree and elite ball skills, could be the missing piece.
Defensive coordinator Chris Shula has been impressed with Forbes’ progress. During OTAs, Forbes made standout plays, including a notable interception that showcased his trademark instincts. “Emmanuel Forbes made a play,” McVay noted during a press conference, highlighting the young cornerback’s growing presence. The Rams’ coaching staff, led by assistant head coach Aubrey Pleasant, has focused on building Forbes’ confidence, emphasizing his strengths while helping him refine his technique.
Rams CB Emmanuel Forbes has been "grinding every single day" and has gained "a good bit" of weight through his offseason workouts.
— Wyatt Miller (@wymill07) June 12, 2025
How Forbes' bulk and study have helped him restore his confidence and impress during OTAs:https://t.co/oxSrVuZkPI
Forbes’ development is particularly crucial as the Rams face a daunting slate of opponents in 2025, including a high-profile matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles and star receiver A.J. Brown. Posts on X have buzzed with anticipation for this showdown, framing it as a defining moment for Forbes. “Emmanuel Forbes of the Rams is facing a pivotal moment in his early career as he prepares to face off against A.J. Brown,” one user wrote, capturing the stakes of the matchup.
With the release of former starting cornerback Derion Kendrick who missed all of 2024 with an ACL injury, Forbes’ has a opportunity to quickly rise on the Rams depth chart.
The Bigger Picture: A Story of Perseverance
Forbes’ journey is about more than football—it’s about resilience in the face of adversity. His time in Washington could have broken a lesser player, but Forbes has embraced his fresh start with a relentless work ethic. “The story of Emmanuel Forbes is one of transformation and potential,” wrote Motorcycle Sports. “As he continues to rise, he embodies the spirit of perseverance and the promise of greatness.”
The Rams have a history of reviving careers, from Austin Corbett to Odell Beckham Jr. to Baker Mayfield, all of whom found new life in Los Angeles after struggling elsewhere. Forbes appears to be following a similar path. “The cornerback position is incredibly scheme-dependent, and confidence is key,” noted Turf Show Times. “Forbes was always going to struggle at the next level if he was forced to play man because of his smaller 170-pound frame. He was drafted as an off-coverage zone corner with great instincts and awareness.”
As Forbes bulks up and adapts to the Rams’ system, the early signs are promising. His performance at OTAs, coupled with the coaching staff’s belief in his potential, suggests that he could become a significant contributor in 2025. Whether he develops into a true CB1 or a reliable rotational piece, Forbes is rewriting his story—one play at a time.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 season will be a proving ground for Emmanuel Forbes. The Rams, fresh off an NFC West title in 2024, are aiming for a deep playoff run, and their secondary will play a pivotal role. If Forbes can translate his offseason momentum into regular-season production, he could silence his critics and cement his place in the NFL.
For now, the buzz around Forbes is growing. Social media posts on X reflect the excitement, with fans and analysts alike noting his early OTA performances. “Emmanuel Forbes rises like a rocket in Los Angeles as Sean McVay’s star cornerback experiment takes flight,” one post proclaimed. While it’s too early to declare Forbes a star, the pieces are in place for a breakout campaign.
As the Rams prepare to take the field, all eyes will be on Forbes. Can he seize this opportunity and fulfill the promise that made him a first-round pick? If his offseason is any indication, the answer is a resounding yes. In a league where second chances are rare, Emmanuel Forbes is making the most of his, proving that sometimes, a change of scenery is all it takes to rewrite a story.
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