Since the departure of Jalen Ramsey, the Rams have struggled to find consistent cornerback play. Ramsey was such an integral part of the defensive system that his departure forced the team to reinvent its approach to pass coverage. While Darious Williams, Akhello Witherspoon and Cobie Durant have done fairly good work, there is a need for another corner who can play fast and disrupt the timing of passing lanes.
Tre'Davious White was supposed to fill that role, but that didn't work out due to a variety of factors, so whoever the Rams get next will have to be the opposite of what White is. That player would have to be young, explosive and injury-free, and even though Christmas is still weeks away, the Rams .
Forbes was a highly touted prospect out of Mississippi State due to his 4.35/40 ERA, 14 career interceptions and his ability to make plays from multiple positions in the secondary. He's a perfect fit for Chris Shula's defense.
Shula deployed three safeties in certain passing situations, putting Kam Curl, Kam Kinchens and Jaylen McCollough in positions to make game-changing plays. All three players had game-winning interceptions this year, and this plan directly benefited Forbes' versatility.
Forbes also seemed more comfortable in coverage when he exaggerated Curl's help when they were teammates in Washington. Such a bond coupled with Curl's already established relationship with the Rams' defensemen will help Forbes quickly integrate into LA.
Forbes' two years in the NFL weren't great. The truth cannot be denied. There is another truth about his development that has not yet been discussed. He was ruined by Jack Del Rio's ill-conceived defensive plan, which was stuck over the last decade. Washington is currently clearing out all of Ron Rivera's old players, and if he doesn't magically start playing at an All-Pro level in year two, Forbes would be fired anyway.
Looking at his film, it seems that his disappointing play was due to poor coaching and a lack of motivation from the people around him. In Los Angeles, he will take positions that fit his strengths, along with coaches and teammates who will give him the confidence he had at Mississippi State.
If the Rams can get him back to being the aggressive player he was in college, they'll have a lead in their hands without incurring any cost to their draft capital. They also inherit his fifth-year option, which could keep him under contract through 2027.
Bold Prediction: Forbes will not only be a pillar of the Rams defense over the next three years, but he will also lead the team to the NFC West title.
