3 Rams are ready to take center stage as training camp looms on the horizon

(1) - CB Emmanuel Forbes

If I had a nickel for every time I'd read that the Rams front office had done nothing to upgrade the secondary this year, I'd be a modestly wealthy person. Sure, the Rams did not draft a cornerback or safety in the 2025 NFL Draft. But that does not equate to a conclusion that the Rams have done nothing to address the secondary.

The front office never stopped addressing the secondary throughout the 2024 NFL season.

Just to clarify, the team signed veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon in September 2024 to the practice squad, eventually promoting him to the active roster in late October 2024. It was the second season that the Rams added Witherspoon after the season started.

This year, the team re-signed Witherspoon long before OTAs, minicamp, or training camp. That will give him a huge jump on the season, and plenty of time to work on the chemistry, coordination, communication, consistency, and continuity with other defensive backs.

But on December 2, 2024, the Los Angeles Rams claimed former first round rookie CB prospect off the Washington Commanders waiver wire. While that was too late in the season to contribute to the defense in a meaningful way last season, it does set up Forbes to be a fixture in the Rams secondary through 2026. If he meets or exceeds expectations, the Rams will have the option to retain Forbes through 2027

Currently listed at 6-foot-0 and 180 pounds, Forbes has the height to be very effective in pass coverage. Early reports out of OTAs and minicamp cite Forbes as more muscular, more confident, and more productive. While that is all short and t-shirts so far, it does set the stage for a solid showing when the pads finally do go on:

While it's no certainty that Forbes will pry a starting role from Ahkello Witherspoon, Cobie Durant, or Darious Williams, he is absolutely in the mix right now. And like other players in this article, Forbes has the benefit of a full offseason in the Rams system. If you consider that the Rams coaching staff has seldom had an opportunity to work with such a highly regarded rooke prospect, you can start to see why there is so much optimism surrounding his fit in the secondary.

Changes of latitude, changes of attitude. A clean slate can often trigger a fresh start. Emmanuel Forbes is no longer a deer-in-the-headlights rookie. He is a seasoned veteran who knows what it takes to play a significant role in the NFL, and is working every day to attain and sustain that level.

The Rams are not only the team that will allow him to do exactly. This is a team that specializes in restoring the passion for football among competition-weary NFL veterans.

As always, thanks for reading.

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