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ByBret Stuter|
Los Angeles Rams DC Chris Shula
Los Angeles Rams DC Chris Shula | Ric Tapia/GettyImages
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The Rams took a chance on salvaging Forbes NFL career

When the Los Angeles Rams claimed former first-round defensive back Emmanuel Forbes off waivers from the Washington Commanders, it was impossible not to feel elated over the player's and team's chances of finding a perfect route to reboot the young defensive back's NFL career. But it was also impossible to understand the situation.

You see, Forbes was selected with the 16th overall pick in Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft. That is a rather lofty spot to be drafted, and it is earlier than any Rams player has been selected in the draft since the team hired HC Sean McVay in 2017. Not even DROY OLB Jared Verse was selected earlier, as he was the 19th overall selection in Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Less than two years after drafting him, the Washington Commanders surrendered, outright releasing the player rather than continue to work with him to develop him into an NFL-caliber player. After all, he was caught in the crossfire of the Commanders' changing of the guard. ESPN writer Bill Barnwell explained that Forbes was drafted for Ron Rivera's team in 2023, but found himself on the outside looking in after an unsatisfactory performance in Week 1 for new HC Dan Quinn.

Barnwell's solution? A trade of Forbes plus a Round 6 pick to the Los Angeles Chargers for a Round 5 pick. Instead, the Rams claimed Forbes off waivers for nothing. Low risk, high reward? Perhaps. But due to the late arrival in 2024, Forbes was essentially a developmental investment for the team. Because he was claimed off waivers, Forbes's rookie contract, and all its perks, transferred to the Rams.

To sum that up, the Rams have Forbes under contract through 2026, with an option to extend him through 2027 if necessary. And unlike last year of adding him mid-season, the Rams have Forbes through OTA, minicamp, and training camp. So the Rams have a chance to work with Forbes and coach him up.

The question is, can the team get him there?

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