The 2023 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Emmanuel Forbes 2023 NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Cornerback
School: Mississippi State
Size: 6-foot-1, 166 pounds
Class: Junior
2022 Stats: 46 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 6 interceptions, 10 passes defended, 3 touchdowns
Forbes was one of the best corners in the country for Mississippi State over three seasons. Now he is in the 2023 NFL Draft.
As a four-star recruit out of Mississippi, Forbes decided to stay in-state to play for the Bulldogs. He started nine games during his true freshman season, totaling 45 tackles, five interceptions, six passes defended and three touchdowns. Mississippi State went 4-7 that season. The next season, he had 59 total tackles, three interceptions, four passes defended and one forced fumble. With the help of Forbes, Mississippi State went 7-6 in 2021. In 2022, Forbes had 46 total tackles, six interceptions, 10 passes defended and three touchdowns. Forbes led the Bulldogs to a 9-4 record.
Following an appearance in the Reliaquest Bowl, Forbes declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. He is projected to be a first or second-round pick.
Forbes has some of the best ball skills in the class. He shows good anticipation and is able to get a good jump on the ball in the air. His instincts help him attack the catchpoint. Forbes can get a decent amount of passes defended, but usually is able to come down with an interception. To make things better, he is great with the ball in his hands, as he six touchdowns in his collegiate career.
He has good athleticism for the position as well. Forbes has good speed that shows up on tape, but also was confirmed by the NFL Combine. He is flexible, which gives him the ability to change directions quickly. His length and speed help him recover well when he does lose a step on a wide receiver.
His football IQ and awareness are also great. In zone coverage, he is able to use good eye balance between the quarterback and receiver. He reads where the ball is going well and then can make a play on the ball. In both zone coverage and man coverage he shows good route recognition, which helps his game immensely.
If Forbes is successful in the NFL, he will be an outlier because of his size. While he has good height and length, he weighed in at just 166 pounds at the NFL Combine. His frame has room to support more weight and he’ll have to get in the weight room early in his career.
With his size playing a factor, Forbes isn’t the greatest tackler. Offenses will run to his side and throw screens to his side of the field to test his tackling ability. He needs to hit with better form rather than trying to drag ball carriers down. Improving his strength will help, but he also will have to improve his tackling technique.
While his ball skills and his aggressiveness in coverage does result in big plays, he is susceptible to giving up big plays as well. He can work on being more disciplined, but at the same time that may limit his ability to create turnovers.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Draft Grade: Second-Round Pick
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