Emmanuel Forbes Jr. has been one of the Los Angeles Rams’ most intriguing storylines since the team quietly claimed him off waivers late last season. Once considered a draft bust after flaming out with the Washington Commanders less than two years into his rookie deal, Forbes spent the offseason rebuilding his game in Los Angeles. On Sunday against the Houston Texans, the reclamation project earned his first major opportunity—and did not disappoint.
Forbes Cracks the Starting Lineup
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When the Rams defense took the field in the season opener, Forbes lined up at outside cornerback opposite Ahkello Witherspoon, with Quentin Lake in the slot. Even in sub-packages, it was Forbes and Witherspoon staying outside, while safeties Kamren Kinchens, Kamren Curl, and Jaylen McCollough rounded out the look.
The rotation left veterans Cobie Durant and Darious Williams on the sideline, a surprising move given Williams’ 66 career starts and Durant’s reputation as a ballhawk. The Rams’ gamble worked: Houston never reached the end zone, with C.J. Stroud and star receiver Nico Collins held in check.
Confidence From the Staff
Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula explained that Forbes’ emergence is part of a broader effort to build cohesion in the secondary.
“We feel really comfortable with those guys,” Shula said. “You add [Emmanuel] Forbes into the mix … those guys really started to gel. We really wanted to continue to build on the cohesiveness of those guys and we feel really comfortable with those guys.”
Assistant head coach Aubrey Pleasant credited Forbes’ growth to embracing a more technical style of play. “I learned very quickly being here with Mr. Forbes that he was a phenomenal talent … I think as a cerebral football player that he is, he really appreciates and enjoys the challenge,” Pleasant said.
A New Chapter for a Former First-Rounder
Forbes’ ability to play disciplined football while still showing flashes of aggressiveness gives Shula the flexibility to disguise coverages and bring pressure from all angles. Against Houston, the approach worked: McCollough’s sack from a disguised safety look stalled a red-zone drive, and Stroud struggled to find open receivers.
If this trajectory continues, the Rams may soon have what Washington could not—a first-round cornerback playing to his pedigree.
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