Emmanuel Forbes NFL Draft Scouting Report

CB, Mississippi State Bulldogs

Emmanuel Forbes, a former 4-star recruit, is one of 10 children, so competition comes naturally to him. Forbes was a three-sport athlete in high school, playing baseball, basketball, and football. His ability to catch the football is impressive for a defensive back. His confidence is a result of him playing wide receiver in high school. Forbes has been a starter for the Bulldogs’ defense since his freshman season and he has developed into one of the best intercepting cornerbacks in college football. 

Forbes is an ultra-competitive cover corner. He battles at the catch point when the ball is in flight to force pass break-ups. Forbes is at his best in press alignment where he can disrupt the timing between the wide receiver and quarterback. He offers scheme and coverage versatility. Forbes is experienced in both man and zone coverage schemes. He plays with good instincts, he does a good job working against rub routes and switch releases, and his ball skills are impressive. Forbes makes plays on the football at a consistent and high rate. He processes information quickly before jumping routes. Forbes is a solid contributor in the run game. He is willing to squeeze down and attack the ball carrier’s lower body. Forbes does not mind throwing his body around as a tackler—he plays more physically than his frame would suggest. 

Forbes has a slim and slender build. This could create issues versus bigger and more physical NFL receivers. Forbes tends to be a freelancer in coverage, which can be detrimental. His aggression to attack the ball opens him up to double moves. Even in press alignment, his over-aggressiveness leads to missed punches and losing at the line of scrimmage. Also, this leads to him getting out-positioned by opponents and being grabby. He was hit with six penalties this season, the most of his career. There are concerns regarding Forbes’ deep speed to carry routes vertically versus more explosive wideouts. He has to improve and become more technically sound in coverage to prevent being stacked on vertical routes. 

Forbes projects as a true perimeter and outside cornerback. I do not envision him sliding into the slot at the next level. Forbes’ ball skills and return ability is an unteachable combination. He has the most pick-sixes in FBS and SEC history. Toning down on aggressiveness and being more disciplined can benefit his NFL future. The development or furthering of his technical process will be important to his ceiling. I believe he can become a CB2 for a defense. 

Top Reasons to Buy In:

• Ball production
• Coverage versatility
• Football intelligence/instincts

Top Reasons For Concern:

• Overly aggressive/takes chances
• Slim build/frame
• Aggressive playstyle

Size (NFL Combine):

Height: 6′ 1”

Weight: 166 lbs

Arm Length: 32 1/4”

Hand Size: 8 1/2”

Athletic Testing (NFL Combine):

40-yard Dash: 4.35s

Vertical Jump: 37.5”

Broad Jump: 10′ 11”

Short-Shuttle: TBD

Three-Cone: TBD

Bench Reps: TBD 

Ideal Role: Outside cornerback

Scheme Fit: Scheme versatile

TDN Consensus Grade: 78.00/100 (Third-Round Value)

• Parson Grade: 78.00/100

Written By: Damian Parson

Exposures: Alabama (2022), Georgia (2022), Ole Miss (2022), Kentucky (2022)

Emmanuel Forbes NFL Draft Scouting Report. Add him to your big board here.