Prospect Breakdown: What Would Emmanuel Forbes Bring to Bengals' Defense?

The 22-year-old has a visit scheduled with the Bengals.

Blake Jewell | Apr 6, 2023

In this story:

Cincinnati Bengals

Mississippi State corner Emmanuel Forbes is one of the most exciting defensive back prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft.

He's extremely aggressive and it paid off last season when he finished with six interceptions. Forbes is tied with Glenn Coleman for the most interceptions returned for touchdowns (6) in FBS history.

The Bengals are bringing Forbes in for a pre-draft visit, so even though his size (166 pounds) doesn’t typically match the player they target, they do have interest.

The first round prospect gained a lot of attention at the combine, posting a 4.35 40-yard dash. There’s a lot to like about Forbes, and he could be on the Bengals' radar in the first round.

Measurables:

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 166 lbs

Vertical: 37.5

40 yard dash: 4.35

RAS: 9.23

Strengths:

Forbes is a ballhawk. As mentioned, he tallied six interceptions in 2022. His ball skills are sensational, and he brings big play ability in the secondary. He has potential to be a game-changer for an NFL team. His intelligence and athletic ability lead to him being in great positions to make plays. He’s also an aggressive tackler. Like Cam Taylor-Britt, Forbes is extremely physical despite his size.

Weaknesses:

The biggest issue for Forbes is his weight. He shines in almost every other testing category, but he could have issues against bigger, physical receivers. His aggression and physicality is a strength, but it can lead to him getting beat due to over pursuit.

Summary:

Forbes is a great player. He is capable of being a playmaker at the next level and has the traits required to being a good cornerback in the NFL.

He mostly has two issues: weight and over aggression. If Forbes can put on some weight and be more disciplined while still keeping his physicality, he’s going to be a good talent.

The Bengals have Chidobe Awuzie coming off of a major knee injury, and while they have Taylor-Britt and Mike Hilton, they could still use another young talent to bring into their secondary.

Forbes appears to be a potential round one target for the Bengals. They haven't taken a cornerback in the first round since 2016 (William Jackson III).

For more on the Bengals, watch the video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Make sure you bookmark All Bengals for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

Bengals Bolster Trenches, Double Dip at Key Position in Mock Draft 1.0

Report: 'Process Is Underway' On Joe Burrow's Contract Extension

Bengals Sign Edge Rusher Tarell Basham

Cincinnati Earns Second-Highest AFC Free Agency Grade From Sports Illustrated

Look: LSU's Alexis Morris Pays Tribute To Joe Burrow After National Championship Win

Hippo Loses 'Top Cincinnatian' Title To Joe Burrow After Multi-Year Reign

Bengals Officially a Destination: Irv Smith Jr. Picked Cincinnati Over Miami

Report: Space Opens For Bengals Permanent Indoor Practice Facility

Look: Bengals Tied At Top Of NFL Win Total Projections