A Weighty Matter: Commanders Draft Pick Emmanuel Forbes Among NFL’s Lightest Players #5
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A Weighty Matter: Commanders Draft Pick Emmanuel Forbes Among NFL’s Lightest Players
The NFL is a league dominated by size, strength, and physicality. When teams scout for new talent, they often seek players with the ideal build for their respective positions.
However, every once in a while, a player emerges who defies conventional expectations
. Emmanuel Forbes, the Washington Commanders' first-round draft pick, is one such player.
Despite weighing in at just 166 pounds at the NFL Combine, Forbes has built a reputation as a defensive playmaker with an uncanny ability to change games.
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His journey from an overlooked college prospect to a record-setting cornerback is a testament to his exceptional skill, determination, and football intelligence.
Standing at 6-foot-1 but weighing just 166 pounds at this year’s NFL Combine, Forbes doesn’t have the physical build of a prototypical cornerback.
However, a closer look at his performance on the field leaves no doubt about his talent and potential.
The Washington Commanders’ first-round pick out of Mississippi State has built a reputation as a true ball hawk, a title Commanders general manager Martin Mayhew believes is often overused—but in Forbes' case, well-earned.
Forbes’ journey to the NFL is a testament to his determination and skill.
The second-youngest of ten siblings, he made a name for himself despite playing at a school not traditionally considered an NFL pipeline.
Yet, he set an FBS record with six pick-six interceptions during his college career, proving his ability to turn defense into offense.
His confidence has never wavered, as he boldly declared himself the best cornerback in this year’s draft class during pre-draft visits.
"He's got some charisma," Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said. "He kind of lights it up when he's around people."
One of the NFL’s Lightest Players
Weight comparisons in the NFL can be misleading, as players often fluctuate due to game conditions and training regimens.
However, by any metric, Forbes will be one of the lightest soccer player in the league.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Deven Thompkins, at 155 pounds, currently holds the title as the NFL’s lightest player.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Rams receiver Tutu Atwell, who entered the league at just 149 pounds, is now listed at 165.
This year’s rookie class also saw Ravens first-round pick Zay Flowers bulk up to 182 pounds before the combine.
Forbes, however, has remained steadfast in his approach.
Weight is going to come over time,” he said. “I'm not going to stress about it.
They didn’t have a problem with it, that’s why they drafted me, so I’m just going to enjoy it, keep being myself, and try to gain weight while staying comfortable.”
Mayhew echoed this sentiment, dismissing concerns over Forbes’ frame.
When you watch his tape, you don’t see a guy who’s too light,” Mayhew said. “He plays bigger than he is.
He’s been durable—he hasn’t missed a game due to injury in three years. He’s battled in the SEC and consistently made plays, so his weight isn’t a major concern for us.”
A Playmaker for Washington’s Secondary
Forbes’ ability to track the ball and anticipate plays makes him a valuable addition to Washington’s defense.
Having started his career as a wide receiver, his instincts for reading routes and making plays on the ball are exceptional.
Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio specifically emphasized the need for more game-changing plays in the secondary, and Forbes’ skill set aligns perfectly with that vision.
He’s got a really good feel for routes and route combinations,” Mayhew said. “He tracks the ball well down the field, and that’s not an easy skill.
He’s tall and long, which allows him to press and disrupt routes. He’s the total package—he can do everything a cornerback should be able to do.
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Conclusion
While Forbes’ weight may raise eyebrows, his talent and playmaking ability are undeniable.
The Commanders see him as a dynamic defensive weapon who can change the outcome of games with his ability to create turnovers.
His journey from an overlooked college recruit to an FBS record-holder and first-round NFL draft pick is proof that football is about more than just size—it’s about skill, intelligence, and the ability to make an impact.
As Forbes embarks on his NFL career, he aims to prove that being one of the league’s lightest players won’t stop him from being one of its best defensive backs.
While Forbes may not have the traditional size of an NFL cornerback, his production, durability, and ball-hawking skills make him an exciting addition to the Commanders’ roster.
His ability to create turnovers will be a significant boost to Washington’s secondary, which has lacked big-play ability in recent seasons.
If his college career is any indication, Forbes’ impact in the NFL will be measured not by his weight, but by his ability to change games with his playmaking prowess.