The Los Angeles Rams have claimed cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. off waivers from the Washington Commanders, who released him on Saturday. Forbes, selected 16th overall in the 2023 draft, started seven games over his first two seasons but was limited to just one game in 2024 due to injury. He was drafted by the Commanders’ previous management, who valued his ball-hawking ability. During his time at Mississippi State, Forbes recorded 14 interceptions, six of which he returned for touchdowns, setting a Division I record.
The Los Angeles Rams have claimed cornerback Emmanuel Forbes off waivers from the Washington Commanders, who released him on Saturday. To make room for Forbes on the roster, the Rams waived undrafted rookie defensive back Charles Woods. Forbes was selected 16th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Forbes, a former Mississippi State defensive back, started 10 games as a rookie but struggled to make an impact, especially under new coach Dan Quinn, playing a minimal role. Though considered undersized for an elite NFL cornerback, his performance didn’t fully dispel those concerns. Despite this, the Rams are taking a chance on him to boost their average pass defense.
Coach Sean McVay praised Forbes for his ball skills, versatility, competitive toughness, and ball production, noting that the Rams had a strong interest in him even before his college career ended. “He was a guy that we liked and had a familiarity with based on the evaluation coming out of Mississippi State,” McVay said. “I also thought there was some solid tape when we faced him, especially later in the year last season.”
Forbes was selected by the Washington Commanders in the first round, 16th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. Known for his lean frame, he became the first cornerback since 2000 to weigh under 170 pounds at the NFL Combine. On July 22, 2023, he signed a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $15.4 million.
Forbes recorded his first career interception in just his second game, a 35-33 victory over the Denver Broncos. However, he struggled in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he was beaten on a coverage by wide receiver A.J. Brown. His challenges continued in Week 5, as he was responsible for several blown coverages against Chicago Bears receiver D.J. Moore. In Week 10, Forbes was ejected in the first quarter of the game against the Seattle Seahawks after delivering a helmet-to-helmet hit on wide receiver Tyler Lockett. The NFL fined him $15,563 for the ejection.
After the opening game of the 2024 season, Forbes underwent surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb. He bounced back in Week 6, recording his second career interception against quarterback Andy Dalton in a win over the Carolina Panthers. However, Forbes was waived by the Washington Commanders on November 30, 2024.