Mississippi State's Emmanuel Forbes in 2023 NFL Draft: Everything to know, including his weight
Mississippi State football cornerback Emmanuel Forbes is expected to be selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, which begins with Thursday's first round (7 p.m. CT, ESPN) and ends Saturday.
Forbes is projected to be selected in the first round after a successful three-season career with the Bulldogs. He's tied as the all-time FBS leader with six interceptions returned for touchdowns.
The Grenada, Mississippi, native was one of three Bulldogs to receive an invite to the 2023 NFL Combine, and Forbes caught the eyes of many with his speed in the 40-yard dash. However, his weight at the combine (166 pounds) caused concern for some draft analysts.
Here's everything to know about Emmanuel Forbes ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft:
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Did Emmanuel Forbes' weight limit him at Mississippi State?
Despite his thin frame, Forbes quickly emerged as a star in 2020, earning SEC All-Freshman Team honors after tying for third in the FBS with five interceptions and returning a nation-best three for TDs.
Forbes was a second-team All-SEC selection in 2021 and led the Bulldogs with three interceptions in 13 starts. He tied for third nationally with six interceptions in 2022 and returned three for TDs to tie the FBS record with six pick-sixes in his career (UAB's Glenn Coleman also had six, in 1996).
Forbes received second-team AP All-America and first-team all-SEC honors in his final season at MSU after recording 46 tackles, 10 pass breakups and a blocked kick in 12 starts.
How Emmanuel Forbes performed at NFL Scouting Combine, Mississippi State pro day
The 6-foot-1 cornerback hoped his weight would be between 170 and 175 pounds during the scouting combine in early March, but he checked in the lowest among defensive backs.
However, Forbes showed up to MSU's pro day four pounds heavier than at the combine, checking in at 170 pounds and mentioned that his weight wouldn't be a concern. He reportedly visited the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, Washington Commanders and Cincinnati Bengals in early April.
Here's are his official numbers from the NFL combine:
40-yard dash: 4.35 seconds10-yard split: 1.48 secondsVertical jump: 37.5 inchesBroad jump: 10 feet, 11 inches
A recent mock draft from USA Today's Nate Davis projected the Mississippi State cornerback would end up with the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 28 overall.
Emmanuel Forbes' high school career and family
Starting his football career at Grenada High School as both a cornerback and wide receiver, the four-star recruit committed to Mississippi State in 2019. He received offers from Memphis, Louisiana-Monroe, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Samford, South Alabama, Southern Miss. and Tennessee, per 247Sports.
Forbes grew up with eight siblings and five older brothers, and he has mentioned that they toughened him up to compete.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State's Emmanuel Forbes in 2023 NFL Draft: Weight a concern?
