In December, the Los Angeles Rams bolstered their secondary by claiming Emmanuel Forbes Jr. off waivers from the Washington Commanders. This decision was particularly notable as Forbes was a first-round pick in 2023 and had been waived before completing his second NFL season.
Coach Sean McVay and General Manager Les Snead set the stage for Forbes’ arrival by clarifying that he would primarily serve as depth, with an eye towards being a potential contributor in 2025. Initially, Forbes did not see any defensive snaps in his first four games with the Rams. However, he made his debut during the season finale against the Seattle Seahawks, playing 52 out of 55 defensive snaps.
Forbes faced a challenging matchup against a talented Seahawks receiving corps, featuring DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tyler Lockett. Despite the tough circumstances, he managed to hold his own defensively. According to Pro Football Focus statistics, Forbes allowed three catches on five targets, totaling 38 yards. Notably, one completion to Metcalf resulted in a 22-yard gain, but Forbes quickly rebounded by defending a subsequent attempt towards the end zone that was unsuccessful.
Additionally, two of the receptions against him were to tight end A.J. Barner, amounting to 16 yards total on plays that converted first downs. Overall, Forbes demonstrated effective coverage, allowing only one catch on three targets against Metcalf.
Despite his slender build at 6 feet and 180 pounds, Forbes showcased his readiness to tackle. He made five tackles, ranking second on the team, and although he missed one tackle, he showed a willingness to engage and contribute defensively.
While it’s likely that Forbes won’t see playing time during the postseason, he represents a promising addition for the Rams as they strategize for future seasons. His debut against a formidable offense indicates that he could be part of the team’s defensive plans in 2025 and beyond.
This positive introduction into the game not only marks a turning point for Forbes but also signals hope for the Rams as they cultivate young talent in their defensive lineup. His development will be crucial as the franchise aims to build a competitive team in the coming years.