Rams claim cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. off waivers, praises his ball production and versatility

Alex Parker

u/alex

The Los Angeles Rams have claimed cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. off waivers from the Washington Commanders.

Why it matters: The acquisition of Forbes adds depth and potential talent to the Rams' secondary, bolstering their defensive capabilities.

Forbes was a former No. 16 pick in 2023 but was recently cut by the Commanders after a mixed performance in two seasons.

  • He started seven games during his time with Washington, with only one start in 2024, and dealt with injuries and benchings.

Despite his struggles, Forbes showcased his playmaking ability during his college career at Mississippi State, setting a Division I record with six interceptions returned for touchdowns.

Rams head coach Sean McVay praised Forbes' ball production, versatility, competitive toughness, and ball skills, indicating the team's confidence in his potential.

Forbes is now under contract with the Rams through 2026, with a fifth-year option available for 2027, providing long-term stability for both player and team.

In his limited NFL experience, Forbes has recorded two interceptions and 45 tackles in 20 games, demonstrating glimpses of his potential impact on the field.

Sean McVay on Emmanuel Forbes: "He was a guy that we liked and had a familiarity with just based on the evaluation coming out of Mississippi State. And then I thought there was some good tape that he's put out there when we've gone against them, particularly later in the year last year."

Yes, but: While Forbes brings promising attributes to the Rams, it remains to be seen how he will adapt to the team's defensive system and make an impact on the field.

What's next: With Forbes joining the Rams, the team will continue evaluating his performance during training camp and preseason games to determine his role within the defense.

The bottom line: The addition of Emmanuel Forbes provides the Rams with a young cornerback who possesses potential playmaking abilities, giving the team more depth and options in their secondary.