EF #1

Emmanuel Forbes Jr.

Cornerback · Mississippi State

A record-setting pick-six machine at Mississippi State whose NFL career found new life with the Rams after a rocky start in Washington.

Emmanuel Forbes Jr. arrived in the league as a top-16 pick with rare ball-hawking instincts, but a difficult stint with the Commanders nearly derailed his career before it started. A claim by the Rams gave him a fresh opportunity, and he has grown into a productive, available cornerback in Los Angeles.

★ FBS record holder for career pick-sixes (6, Mississippi State)

★ First-round pick, No. 16 overall, 2023 NFL Draft

★ Career-high three interceptions and 18 passes defensed in 2025

Path to the league

Forbes set the FBS record for pick-sixes with six at Mississippi State and finished fourth in school history with 14 career interceptions. The Washington Commanders drafted him 16th overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, making him the second cornerback taken that year.

Career highlights

Forbes struggled to find a consistent role in Washington, starting only seven games across two seasons and dealing with benchings and injuries. He was waived by the Commanders and claimed off waivers by the Rams three days later, where he has continued to show the length, speed and ball skills that made him a first-round pick.

2025 season recap

Forbes had his most productive pro season in 2025, appearing in all 17 games for the Rams and recording 45 tackles, 18 passes defensed and three interceptions, establishing himself as a consistent, available piece of the Rams' secondary heading into 2026.