In December, the Los Angeles Rams bolstered their secondary by claiming Emmanuel Forbes Jr. from the Washington Commanders. Notably, Forbes was a first-round draft pick in 2023 but was released by the Commanders before completing his second NFL season.
Rams head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead set modest expectations for Forbes, suggesting he would primarily serve as depth this season, with potential to grow into a more significant role in 2025.
Forbes did not see any action during his first four games with the Rams. However, he finally made his debut during the season finale against the Seattle Seahawks. Playing 52 out of 55 possible defensive snaps, Forbes provided fans with their first glimpse of the former 16th overall pick.
Facing a challenging trio of receivers in DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tyler Lockett, Forbes managed to perform admirably. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed three completions on five targets, giving up 38 yards in total. One of those catches was a 22-yard gain by Metcalf, which occurred during a zone coverage situation. On the following play, Forbes was again matched up with Metcalf in the end zone; although Metcalf gained slight separation, the pass was incomplete.
The other two receptions came from tight end A.J. Barner, which were successful completions for first downs, totaling 16 yards. Notably, Forbes successfully defended against Metcalf on three other targets.
Despite his slender build at 6 feet and 180 pounds, Forbes showed determination as a tackler during the game. He finished with five tackles, marking him as one of the leaders on the defense alongside linebacker Jake Hummel.
While Forbes likely won’t see postseason play, his performance offers hope for the Rams as they look ahead to the 2025 season. His solid debut against a talented Seattle offense suggests he could become a valuable asset in the Rams’ defensive scheme moving forward.
In summary, Emmanuel Forbes Jr.’s debut showcased his potential despite the challenges of competing against elite receivers, and it may signal a promising future for him in Los Angeles. Fans can look forward to his development in the upcoming seasons, as he has the opportunity to grow into a key player for the Rams.