Jaguars Draft: Mississippi State CB Emmanuel Forbes
It won’t take much to fix the Jaguars biggest issue.
The Jacksonville Jaguars desperately need some help in their secondary. One could say it is their biggest flaw heading into the 2023 season. So, they need to find a quick fix, and they can do that for cheap through the draft.
This class is deep when it comes to defensive backs. The Jaguars just let Shaquill Griffin go to save some salary cap, so they definitely need a cornerback more than a safety. At pick 24, they will have a huge selection of guys to choose from that can play ball at the cornerback position, and be starters right away.
One of the better cornerbacks in the draft class could likely be available for the Jaguars too. If so, it wouldn't hurt to snag Emmanuel Forbes from Mississippi State.
Here is what Pro Football Focus thinks about Forbes:
Forbes is going to find the football, and he’s not going to be content to just bat it down. If you’re a DC who preaches turnovers, Forbes is your man. Forbes was stuck playing a ton of off-zone coverage in Mississippi State’s scheme, but he excelled in press-man when given the opportunity. His willingness to play the run could also play on the inside, although he’ll need to improve his play strength to do so. Forbes needs just 10 or so more pounds to play his style of football at the NFL level. Receivers and running backs had too easy a time running through him in college.
Forbes had 14 interceptions in his three collegiate seasons, which is remarkable, especially when you factor in the competition he has played against. He has the length to not only contest every catch but win battles at the top of jumps and come down with the ball.
The Jaguars finished with just 14 interceptions last season, which isn't great by any means. So, adding a ball hawk like Forbes will help in that area as well.
