Emmanuel Forbes
Summary
Emmanuel Forbes was selected in Round 1 (#16 Overall) in the 2023 Draft out of Mississippi State University. Forbes entered the league as a highly athletic, ball‑hawking cornerback with noteworthy speed (4.35 sec 40‑yard dash) and a knack for making splash plays with his six career interception returns for touchdowns, an FBS record. At roughly 6′1″ in height but listed at around 166‑180 lbs at the time of draft, his frame represented a major question mark. His college tape showcased excellent ability in zone, strong instincts and ball skills—but concerns centred on his physicality, run‑support capability, and how his size would translate to the pro level.
Strengths
Elite straight‑line speed and arc recovery: Numerous reports noted Forbes’ ability to run with deep threats, his 4.35 sec 40‑yard dash being a standout. NFL Draft Buzz
Exceptional ball skills and turnover production: Forbes returned six interceptions for touchdowns in his college career—owning the FBS record. NFL Draft Buzz
Long frame and reach‑plus leaping ability: Standing 6′1″ with length and able to high‑point throws, he shows physical tools to compete at the catch point. PFSN
Strong route‑recognition and zone awareness: Strong ability to read quarterback eyes, break on passes, and stay in phase against receivers in zone or off coverage.
Ballhawk mentality and playmaking instincts: He shows a knack for disrupting throws, anticipating patterns and making big plays, which gives him upside as a difference‑maker. Bleacher Report
Weaknesses
Extremely light frame / limited mass for NFL physicality: At around 166 lbs (.19 Weight RAS score), Forbes was among the lightest players at his position; his slender build raises durability and physical matchup concerns.
Run‑support and block‑shedding inconsistencies: While willing, his tackling form, ability to disengage larger blockers and maintain positioning in the run game were flagged as developmental. Bleacher Report
Press‑man release and physical matchup limitations: In tight press or physical outside‑wide‑receiver matchups, his lack of upper‑body strength and mass could be exploited.
Over‑aggressiveness and occasional technique lapses: Some film shows him taking poor angles, being overly aggressive, and losing his anchor point or depth in coverage as a result. Bleacher Report
Ceiling tied to scheme fit and physical growth: Given his size and aggressive profile, his best outcomes depend on adding weight, improving physicality, and being placed in a scheme that plays to his strengths. PFSN
Fit & Outlook
Forbes fits best on a defense that can maximize his speed, ball‑skills and playmaking ability rather than demand him to win purely through physical dominance. A scheme that uses him often in off‑man or zone coverages, allows him to roam, jump routes, and play with leverage rather than strict press‑man isolation against top physical receivers would suit him well. He is likely to thrive as a corner in rotations initially, perhaps as a “third” outside corner or boundary guy in nickel sets where his speed and instincts can be leveraged. Over time, with added strength and refinement, he can be elevated to a starting role. Looking ahead, Forbes’ floor is that of a viable NFL starter who can contribute heavily in coverage, create turnovers and serve as a top half of a cornerback pair. His upside is significant: if he adds functional mass, refines his tackling and press‑man release game, and remains healthy, he could become a top‑tier boundary corner capable of influencing games. The key risks remain his size/physicality, potential mismatch issues against bigger receivers and his role in the run‑game. With the right development path and fit, Forbes presents as a high‑ceiling defensive investment.