Rams picking up Emmanuel Forbes on waivers

[JonRam99]

I'm just happy they got someone over 5'9".

"yikes"
~ Tye Hill

 

[Corbin]

5 interesting stats from new CB Emmanuel Forbes Jr.: Blazing speed, elite production in the SEC​

Dec 03, 2024 at 02:33 PM

Wyatt Miller

It's not often teams get to claim a player that was drafted 16th overall less than two years ago, but that's what the Rams just did with cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. A year-and-a-half after the Washington Commodes drafted Forbes in the first round, he was waived by the team and was subsequently claimed by the Rams on Monday.
Forbes has blazing speed and fantastic length, standing at 6-foot-1, 166 lbs with 32.25-inch arms. His weight led to some questions about his tackling strength, according to NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein, but Forbes' coverage skills were regarded as some of the best in the 2023 class, and he's shown flashes of elite potential in the pros. NFL draft analyst Buck Brooks compared him to former All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman during the evaluation process.
Here are five interesting stats from Forbes' college and early pro career:

In his senior year at Mississippi State, quarterbacks had a 44.7 passer rating when targeting Forbes, ranking 18th in the FBS and first in the SEC, via Pro Football Focus (PFF)​

Forbes was a force to be reckoned with at Mississippi State. His coverage production was second-to-none in his senior year and it showed on the advanced and more traditional stat sheets with six interceptions (tied for FBS lead). As a lanky defender with game-breaking speed, Forbes matched up against short speedsters and taller down-field threats in the SEC.
The Rams will attempt to coax those versatile, shutdown coverage skills out of him so he can big plays turnovers in the secondary.

Forbes ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL combine, tied for the fifth-fastest in the class​

Elite speed from a corner over six feet tall isn't easy to come by. Since 2000, only 19 corners that are six feet or taller have run a 4.35 40-yard dash, and Forbes is one of them. Some other notable names on that list are Patrick Peterson, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Jamel Dean, Tariq Woolen, Quinyon Mitchell and Nate Wiggins.
This isn't to say Forbes is destined to become one of those Pro Bowl talents, but it's a good sign that his skill set has been proven to translate into success at the NFL level.

Last season, Forbes had the 28th-ranked man coverage grade among corners with at least 250 coverage snaps (62.5), via PFF​

The Rams haven't played much man coverage this season – according to Fantasy Points Data, they've run man coverage just 23.2% of the time, ranking 20th in the NFL. Part of the reason for that is they start two corners under six feet tall.
Yesterday, McVay said Forbes "showed versatility, showed competitive toughness on the edge (and) good ball skills" both in college and during his rookie season. Forbes was a tall, shut-down man corner at Mississippi State and showed flashes of that with the Commodes. He has the potential to add some variety to this defense with some good coaching.

Forbes had 14 interceptions (including six pick-sixes) and 17 pass breakups during his three collegiate seasons​

A nose for the football is something the Rams prize, and Forbes has it. Earlier this year, defensive coordinator Chris Shula said "you just emphasize (creating turnovers)... It's just always having it on your mind."

Rams cornerbacks have created just two turnovers this season, both courtesy of Cobie Durant. Now, they've added a big play corner with high turnover potential just in time for a playoff push in a wide-open NFC West.

In 50 coverage snaps this season, Forbes has allowed five catches on seven targets for 64 yards and a 60.1 passer rating, via Next Gen Stats​

Forbes has one interception and zero touchdowns allowed this season with limited playing time. He's been a solid cover corner with high-end physical skills and instincts in his short time in the NFL.
The problem has been his tackling, as he's missed 46.2% of his tackle opportunities this season, according to PFF. Yet, he never missed more than 18.1% in a season at Mississippi State, and had an 18.8% rate in Washington last year. If the Rams can help him finish more tackles, he could prove to be a productive addition to this secondary.

 

[blackbart]

I know a lot of guys selected in the first round are expected to start and play right away and it looks like Forbes did last year with some mixed success.

This year another staff, scheme and injured, it’s not surprising that a young man in that position would be in a bad head space.

I doubt he will see a lot of action in the next few weeks but, down the stretch he could get a chance to show his stuff.

The Rams organization just seems like a different place than most. It appears to be a great place to work throughout and I expect they will bolster hid mental game first.

Really like this move and happy to see them continue to be looking for ways to improve this roster.

 

[Noregar]

For the most part the Rams have had very good success rehabbing high round draft picks that have not worked out well with their original teams. Many High-pick athletic guys who fail never had success in college and were over drafted due to their freakish athletic ability. Forbes had a pretty good college resume. I do not expect a significant contribution from him in 2024 but I give him an 80 -20 chance of success, with success being measured as a good consistent starter for 2025 & 2026.

I still think CB is high on next year's draft needs even if Forbes flashes more than expected this year.

 

[Ram Ts]

I think CB is used and needed on our 2025 FRP. But if they somehow can turn this kid into a something good in our system, then you could punt CB until the earlier 3rd round pick. Opening up our FRP on a WR.
Plus Kendrick will be back next year

 

[Psycho_X]

Wyatt Miller

Jesus, is that person even a teenager yet? He should not include a selfie in his articles.

 

[Ram65]

So maybe he can not give up 10 yards presnap and cover on third and whatever.

Worth the pickup.

 

[Corbin]

Jesus, is that person even a teenager yet? He should not include a selfie in his articles.

I thought the same thing man! Must an intern! lol

 

[Allen2McVay]

Jesus, is that person even a teenager yet? He should not include a selfie in his articles.

I took a quick look at his Bio. Graduated from college last Spring and is an L.A. Rams “writing intern”.

 

[Kupped]

I think CB is used and needed on our 2025 FRP. But if they somehow can turn this kid into a something good in our system, then you could punt CB until the earlier 3rd round pick. Opening up our FRP on a WR.
Plus Kendrick will be back next year

If he can be better than anything currently on the roster.. it gives great flexibility.
I say throw a bag at Byron Murphy Jr.... Get him as your #1.. hopefully Forbes can be your number 2.. and the defense is really in business.

 

[Merlin]

Jesus, is that person even a teenager yet? He should not include a selfie in his articles.

I see that face and I feel a deep and angry desire to yell at him to take the fucking trash out.

 

[Da-Rock]

I see that face and I feel a deep and angry desire to yell at him to take the fucking trash out.

or to get off my lawn!

 

[El Chapo Jr]

I think CB is used and needed on our 2025 FRP. But if they somehow can turn this kid into a something good in our system, then you could punt CB until the earlier 3rd round pick. Opening up our FRP on a WR.
Plus Kendrick will be back next year

Kendrick might not even make the team. Sorry that dude is just too slow for my liking and makes too many knuckleheaded decisions. I'd be more than ok if we doubled down on the secondary. It did wonders for Philly.

 

[Memento]

Kendrick might not even make the team. Sorry that dude is just too slow for my liking and makes too many knuckleheaded decisions. I'd be more than ok if we doubled down on the secondary. It did wonders for Philly.

Detroit did as well with Arnold and Rakestraw.

I'm all for doubling down on the cornerback position, even if Forbes does well.

 

[NCRamGuy]

I prefer to keep Durden over Gallimore

Gallimore has not impressed me really this year and I feel we had better choices. I don't think he stays next year though

 

[PhillyRam]

He makes Witherspoon look like Aaron Donald... My gawd is he skinny

12K views · 337 reactions | First practice for Emmanuel Forbes! | Los Angeles Rams

First practice for Emmanuel Forbes! .

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[Allen2McVay]

Kendrick might not even make the team. Sorry that dude is just ... makes too many knuckleheaded decisions.

From your lips to McVay's ear.

 

[OntarioRam]

I dunno about this guy. Haven't watched him play but what I am reading is not encouraging. But defense in the NFL is so scheme, system, and coaching dependent. We need CB help badly and this guy is not far removed from widely being seen as one of the best CB prospects in his draft class. It would not be at all shocking if he manages to carve out a role for himself. Less likely success stories appear every year around this league when players see a change of scenery. This is a pretty low risk move. Let's see what he can do!

I don't mind picking up the contract at all considering the state of our secondary. Who knows. Everyone is looking at the dead cap if we want to cut him. If he ends up having a great turnaround and meeting his draft day expectations, the contract becomes a massive bargain, it cuts both ways.

 

[PARAM]

Thoughtful, realistic Ram fan: "If he could play, he wouldn't have been available"

Logical, realistic Ram fan: "He's got speed, he's a ball hawk, we need help back there. Let's see what he can do"

Rose colored glasses fan: "Man did we get a stud!!! Can't wait to see our defense climb the charts!!!"

There are some like the first line. There are some like the second line. I haven't read anything resembling the third line. So what's the problem? Different coaching staffs, get different results from the same player. Different schemes get different things out of the same player. And sometimes different staffs and schemes get the same thing from the player. Our staff thinks enough of him to claim him so let's see what THEY can do.

 

[Psycho_X]

I call bullshit this dude ever hit 180. He's lucky he's tall at least. Hopefully he gels in our system and can use that speed to his advantage.


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