Emmanuel Forbes is ‘holding up well’ during his first NFL training camp, and as he learns his first NFL playbook under the tutelage of a veteran in Jack Del Rio, he revealed just how much that playbook affects the instincts that made him stand out and play above his size in college.
“It really impacts a lot – I know what I can and can’t do, and know what routes I can jump and I can’t,” Forbes told JP Finlay at Commanders camp this week. “It’s all about my role and where my hips are – I know if my hips are inside, I can jump any out-breaking route, or I can jump an in-breaking route because I have inside help.”
So far, he says, NFL camp practices are “way easier than college, but it’s more intense, because you have to focus in on all the small details,” but Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett have gotten the best of him a few times so far, reminding him that this is a higher level, and with guys like Russell Wilson and Josh Allen on the schedule in the first month, he’s getting a good test from his own guys.
“I know I can be a step behind, so I have to be on point with all my breaks and put myself in the best position to make plays on the ball,” Forbes said.
He’s gotten to learn from vets on the field, as well as Del Rio – and also from another former Washington corner in Fred Smoot, whom he has become fast friends with.
“Fred is an interesting guy that says some of the craziest things you’ll ever hear!” Forbes laughed. “But I really appreciate getting the chance to talk to him and get advice from him.”
JP noted how Smoot racked up a few INTs as a rookie, but when it comes to numerical goals, Forbes prefers his only numbers to be binary – as in, yes, he made the play, or no, he didn’t.
“I don’t like giving numbers, because that puts pressure on me, but I just want to make plays,” Forbes said. “The coaches tell me to go out there and be myself, and put myself in position to make plays.”
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The first preseason game isn’t until tomorrow, when he’ll get his first taste of true NFL game action, but Forbes is already itching to get to the regular season – so next week’s joint practices against the Ravens will be big for him on two fronts.
“It’s always around this time of year you’re ready for things to get rolling, and that’s where I am,” Forbes said. “I’m actually friends with their first-round pick, Zay Flowers, so it will be fun to compete against him and get that going.”
Take a listen to the whole clip above, which also includes Forbes’ thoughts on music – he went to see Drake at Capital One Arena and would go see Beyonce at FedEx – and learning the ins and outs of DC!
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