The buzz building around underestimated Rams defensive back can't be ignored

The Los Angeles Rams have a knack for knowing the value of NFL players, oftentimes more acutely than the teams that originally drafted or signed them. While it's a pattern that has buoyed the team's success for years, nothing is a more shining example than the complete turnaround of former first-round cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr.

He was released by the Washington Commanders after less than two seasons. But after struggling to fit LA's defense, he is not going anywhere. He's found his home. And the team has found a starting cornerback.

Talk about a turnaround. It has never been easy for Forbes, a player who was kicked to the curb just over one season with the Washington Commanders. But he was scooped up instantly by general manager Les Snead, reuniting him with safety Kam Curl in a secondary that needed stars.

While it's not been a skyrocketing trajectory, recent reports confirm that Forbes is delivering his draft day optimism.

Next Gen Stats cites Forbes defending seven targets with no reception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 12. Not only is that incredibly impressive, but no defensive back has even matched that feat since 2022. He has been rapidly improving since Week 9, when the defense needed him most.

Why Emmanuel Forbes resurgence is so vital to Rams success

There is no secret to success in the NFL. Several key factors often spell success. Health and durability top that list. Winning the turnover battle is a key factor as well. But roster depth, and finding players who can step into starting roles, is a third, and often overlooked, factor.

This defense is the best in the NFL right now. That's right, the defense has allowed just 16.3 points per game, the best in the NFL. But if you dive into the details, this team is playing without two starting defensive backs: Ahkello Witherspoon and Quentin Lake. So how did this defense hold a very good Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense to just seven points?

Emmanuel Forbes is starting to exhibit the same confidence in himself that the team has in him. And that confidence is showing up in outstanding performances. It's about a team backing a player, not casting him aside.

Forbes is coming into his own. While he is not an All-Pro yet, he is formidable as a defensive back who can provide just enough sticky coverage to allow the pass rush to find its range. It's no coincidence that in a game in which he allowed zero completions, the pass rush recorded four quarterback sacks.

It's a team sport, and Forbes is a key contributor right now. And he was claimed off waivers, at the cost of nothing. A gamble? Perhaps, but a low-risk, high-reward gamble is always in style. So far, the Rams have hit the jackpot.

As always, thanks for reading.