Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was in a "storm," as Rams head coach Sean McVay put it. In 2024, Forbes was benched and later released by the team that drafted him in the first round less than two years prior, the Washington Commanders.
"Inevitably, in some timeframe, you're going to go through a storm," McVay said. "We talk about it a lot. Hey, you're either in it, you're going to go back into it or you're just coming out of it, and it's usually one of those three things."
Forbes was smack dab in the middle last year. Even after signing with Los Angeles, he barely saw the field apart from an inconsequential Week 18 game. But after an offseason filled with incessant weight-lifting and defensive scheme digestion, Forbes is coming out of the storm.
He entered the league at 6 feet and ¾ inches, 166 pounds, making him the lightest cornerback drafted since 1999 (at least). He's now listed at 180 pounds, having gained significant muscle mass since the Rams' season ended. He credits the Rams' staff for helping him bulk up to a size he's more comfortable playing at and restoring some of his confidence.
"I've been grinding every single day and just getting stronger and getting better," Forbes told theRams.com. "We're going to lift every day and come out here and practice, then go back and do recovery and just take care of my body."
The Rams' strength staff, starting with senior director of strength and conditioning Justin Lovett, have put Forbes through a workout program tailored to help him put on productive weight. He's also been eating better, making sure to consume at least three or four meals a day and drinking lots of water.
Forbes didn't want to give an exact number, but he's gained "a good bit" of weight since last season by adding muscle all over.
"I feel way stronger, way more explosive and it really has helped my game out a lot," Forbes said.
"Justin Lovett and his group do such a great job," McVay said. "Forbes is bulking up, looking good, but I think what's been awesome is, and we talked about this at the very beginning, having an understanding of what we're trying to get done."
Last season, McVay was impressed with Forbes' intentionality as soon as he entered the building in December. He was always keyed into what the Rams were teaching him and the objective of certain actions, both on and off the field.
Now, he's had the opportunity to implement those lessons in a fast-paced practice setting. Forbes said the defensive coaches have helped him get out of his head and get back to playing his brand of football.
"They let me play my game, like, throughout the defense," Forbes said. "So, honestly, not worried about messing up in my head and just going out there and playing freely. So, it's helped me be great."
"It's nice to see how smart he is, see him communicate, and he's done a really nice job," said defensive coordinator Chris Shula.
Forbes has impressed McVay and company by using that increased strength and schematic understanding to make plays during OTAs.
The former Mississippi State standout had 14 interceptions in three collegiate seasons, including six pick-sixes, and he's still just 24 years old. Forbes has caught a couple interceptions in 11-on-11 drills during OTAs, including one during the first session open to the media when he jumped an out route thrown by Jimmy Garoppolo.
"Working my technique, that's what OTAs is all about, working on your technique and getting the defense down," Forbes said. "And it was an emphasis to stay square in your back quarter through 15 (yards), and I did that, and ended up picking an out (route) on a great play."
