'I've been grinding every single day': Emmanuel Forbes' offseason bulk has helped restore confidence​

Jun 12, 2025 at 02:00 PM

Wyatt Miller
Staff Writer


Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was in a "storm," as Rams head coach Sean McVay put it. In 2024, Forbes was benched and later released by the team that drafted him in the first round less than two years prior, the Washington Commodes.

"Inevitably, in some timeframe, you're going to go through a storm," McVay said. "We talk about it a lot. Hey, you're either in it, you're going to go back into it or you're just coming out of it, and it's usually one of those three things."
Forbes was smack dab in the middle last year. Even after signing with Los Angeles, he barely saw the field apart from an inconsequential Week 18 game. But after an offseason filled with incessant weight-lifting and defensive scheme digestion, Forbes is coming out of the storm.

He entered the league at 6 feet and ¾ inches, 166 pounds, making him the lightest cornerback drafted since 1999 (at least). He's now listed at 180 pounds, having gained significant muscle mass since the Rams' season ended. He credits the Rams' staff for helping him bulk up to a size he's more comfortable playing at and restoring some of his confidence.



"I've been grinding every single day and just getting stronger and getting better," Forbes told theRams.com. "We're going to lift every day and come out here and practice, then go back and do recovery and just take care of my body."

The Rams' strength staff, starting with senior director of strength and conditioning Justin Lovett, have put Forbes through a workout program tailored to help him put on productive weight. He's also been eating better, making sure to consume at least three or four meals a day and drinking lots of water.

Forbes didn't want to give an exact number, but he's gained "a good bit" of weight since last season by adding muscle all over.
"I feel way stronger, way more explosive and it really has helped my game out a lot," Forbes said.
"Justin Lovett and his group do such a great job," McVay said. "Forbes is bulking up, looking good, but I think what's been awesome is, and we talked about this at the very beginning, having an understanding of what we're trying to get done."

Last season, McVay was impressed with Forbes' intentionality as soon as he entered the building in December. He was always keyed into what the Rams were teaching him and the objective of certain actions, both on and off the field.
Now, he's had the opportunity to implement those lessons in a fast-paced practice setting. Forbes said the defensive coaches have helped him get out of his head and get back to playing his brand of football.

"They let me play my game, like, throughout the defense," Forbes said. "So, honestly, not worried about messing up in my head and just going out there and playing freely. So, it's helped me be great."
"It's nice to see how smart he is, see him communicate, and he's done a really nice job," said defensive coordinator Chris Shula.

Forbes has impressed McVay and company by using that increased strength and schematic understanding to make plays during OTAs.
He's caught a couple interceptions during 11-on-11 drills, including one during the first session open to the media when he jumped an out route thrown by Jimmy Garoppolo.
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I'm gonna stick the optimist point of view. I love that the kid is putting in work. 180lbs is a little
light, but doable if he has the cover skills.

Truly hope he has a breakout type season, which for him would be getting on the field
in some sort of package or situational grouping.
He is in the right place and around the right people.

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I don't have the stats in front of me but pre 2019 we had some of the best 1st series scripts in the game and often walked away with points on the first drive. This was before 6-1 and fangio style defenses started to break us down but also when we still had LaFleur as an OC.

I actually think it probably has more to do with LaFleur than teams figuring us out. I don't think we've ever hit the high that was the marriage of McVay and LaFleur on offense though O'Connell was pretty good.

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Colts headed for 30 year Dallas Cowboys drought territory.

I want to send hope, love, and good wishes to LA at the moment and willing a peaceful end to the unrest.

If this post is to close to rules please Delete.
I don't want to discuss the causes or reasons.

I just want to wish all Angelinos a safe, happy day and days to come. With a peaceful end to the unrest and a return to normality.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — All Davante Adams wanted was some stability and certainty, and the three-time All-Pro wide receiver sounds as if he has found it with the Los Angeles Rams.

“It’s been exactly what I needed,” Adams said Tuesday after practice. “Feeling rejuvenated.”

Following three tumultuous losing seasons — which included an in-season trade from the Las Vegas Raiders to the New York Jets last October — Adams didn’t exactly conceal the contrast between his previous two teams and the Rams, who signed him to a two-year contract that could be worth up to $46 million in March.


“But I just feel like this is what I needed, just based off the vibe and the aura of the building,” Adams said. “And everybody’s in a good mood. It’s not like a dark cloud over the building, and I’ve experienced that quite a bit over the last few years, so it’s a glaring difference when you come into a building like this.”

That feeling starts with head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford, Adams said, and extends throughout the organization in a way he hasn’t seen in a while.

“Kind of feel like Pop Warner, high school, college ball all over again, and that’s exactly what this team feels like in the best way possible,” Adams said. “It feels like a college-type camaraderie just around. I mean, I don’t think I’ve seen a linebacker and a punter talking as much as what I have since I’ve been here, or the kicker and quarterbacks, or whoever it is.”

Adams felt he wasn’t able to build those kinds of relationships during his 11-game stint with the Jets because of the timing of his arrival, so he was determined to do so during a full offseason with his new Rams teammates.


That has included frequent talks with McVay, often during warmups. Their communication reinforced the positive feedback the 32-year-old Adams previously received about the coach who is seven years his senior.

“And you can see why he’s had so much success, and why everybody kind of looks at him and looks to him the way they do in this building,” Adams said. “And before I even got a chance to really kind of get together with a lot of these guys, I’ve heard some of the feelings and sentiments from different players about him, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen any uniformity toward any individual ever in the past before that. And getting to know him now, it just kind of backs it up, you know, football-wise and him as a person. When your leader is that way, and it makes it easy to come to work, it just makes the whole thing a lot more fun.”

In terms of football, Adams has taken notice of how McVay makes his offense so “methodical” in melding the run and pass seamlessly.

The continuity in scheme Adams praises is in contrast to one attribute of Stafford’s approach that has stood out for the six-time 1,000-yard receiver.


“Well, the main thing is, based off a couple (plays) we had today, he don’t care what that coverage says,” Adams said. “If they’re not playing that coverage right, you might get the ball still.”

There were a few instances where Adams was surprised to find himself targeted, which is forcing him to lock in on every play as if the pass will be headed his way. Stafford operates with a different mindset than what Adams had come to expect during his previous 11 seasons in the NFL.

“I’m sure everybody’s heard of those routes where you’re kind of designed to clear out (the defense), or maybe based off a certain coverage, you’ll be eliminated. Uh uh, that ain’t how he roll, and you got to be a dog to do that,” Adams said.

Hey all,

I saw the thread on increased costs for streaming games. I too, have used streaming sites for free. They are ok, but can be a pain with adds, pop ups, etc.

About a year ago I went with this streaming service (my ex got it and liked it so I tried it). I was paying like $300 a month for COX TV and internet.

Now that I have the service I'll likely never change again. Once you read this, if interested, just DM me and I can give you the contact info to sign up.

It's legit, as it requires an AMAZON prime membership which is nothing. It's all on firesticks but once she sets you up, comes loaded with everything and with your local content as well (ABC, CBS, etc.) You also have local channels from all major cities in the US.

The only intial cost is about $75 per firestsick (however many TV's you want to hook up). I did three rooms so about $225.00
After that, I'm paying about $250 A YEAR. Yes, a year. Saving over $3K a year from COX.
Here's the sick part. I get everything. I mean EVERYTHING. All NFL games (Sunday ticket), MLB, NBA, MMA, PPV. Every series, channel, you name it. I have a 24/7 friends channel, Yellowstone, whatever you want, it's on there. Yes, it's streaming so you have to clear cache once in a while and some channels buffer (not often) but for the price and what you get it's pretty unreal to be honest. I may even be able to take a quick video and upload (if the mods want) to show it. All I know is since I got it, I don't have to pay a single dime to watch the RAMS or any other game I want. over 50,000 movies, series, and channels. Pretty insane for the annual cost. And it's a firestick so if you have wifi, you can take it anywhere with you to stream it.

Cheers,

BW

I got this many years ago and love the all black design (Well now its actually grayish from fading). I accidentally got it wet and it wrinkled so I started my search for a replacement. Sucks since I tried looking for this design again and apparently it no longer exists.

It got me thinking since there are always favorite jersey threads to start a favorite hat thread. I was thinking about getting the support the troops design since its green but don't like how big they made the American flag on the side. I love the yellow and blue but black seems to go well with what I am wearing without sticking out too bad.

Would love to sign Jaire Alexander , but I think he is asking too much for a OFT injured cb
Would even take LB Germaine Pratt at right price. Veteran presence in a very young ILB room

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Bonus Stafford to Ferg td pass
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Fuckin idjits.

It would be nice (for Mets fans). His first 57 games weren't that spectacular....48 for 208 (.231), 43 BB (.357 OB%), 9 HR, 27 RBI, .413 SLG%, .770 OPS

Last year through 57 games he was a monster. .312, .412 OB%, .578 SLG% (15 HR, 46 RBI), .990 OPS.....of course that was batting in front of Judge.

The article was written after Wednesday's night game vs the Dodgers and he went 3 for 4 last night, so I guess the author is prophetic!

The UFL conference championship games:

• Sunday, June 8, 2025

• USFL Conference Championship: Michigan Panthers at Birmingham Stallions, 3:00 PM ET (ABC), Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL

• XFL Conference Championship: DC Defenders at St. Louis Battlehawks, 6:00 PM ET (FOX), The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, MO

Notes:

• All times are Eastern Time (ET).

• These matchups feature the top two teams from each conference (USFL: Michigan and Birmingham; XFL: St. Louis and DC), as confirmed by playoff seeding after Week 8 clinching.

• Games can be streamed on ESPN+ (ABC game), FOX Sports App (FOX game), or Fubo. Check theufl.com for updates.

• The winners advance to the UFL Championship Game on June 14, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET (ABC) at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis.

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Is it fun being a Rams fan these days, or what?

And, I love the DaVante Adams appearance!

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Hopefully when he got to the pearly gates he didn't turn around and run the wrong way. It's hot down there!

​

I only posted Rams from his list.​

here is link for those wanting to see complete article

Underrated NFL Draft Rookies: 5 Sneaky Stud Prospects (2025)

John's analysis on five underrated standout rookie prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. His top sneaky stud rookie prospects to watch for the 2025 NFL Draft.

www.rotoballer.com

by John Johnson

John's analysis on five underrated standout rookie prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. His top sneaky stud rookie prospects to watch for the 2025 NFL Draft.

In This Article hide
1. Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse
2. Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon
3. Jarquez Hunter, RB, Auburn
4. Mike Green, DE, Marshall
5. Shaun Dolac, LB, Buffalo
6. More Fantasy Football Analysis


It shouldn't come as any surprise to fantasy football managers that, like them, actual NFL teams are looking to find as many steals as possible in the 2025 NFL Draft, as they do every season. Finding players that vastly outperform what's expected of the average player at their position and draft spot has an immediate and lasting impact on their success.
Players like Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, one of the league's best wide receivers, allow teams to make up for a lack of early draft picks or turn what would be a good draft into a historically great one. Nacua's performance easily made up for the Rams' lack of a first-round pick in 2023, and has been a key driving factor in the team's playoff appearances.
Nacua is an extreme example, but it illustrates how impactful a player that all but a handful of, or even none of, the teams are willing to draft near what value they actually present. For whatever reason, additionally, sometimes teams have doubts about players that are unfounded or aren't able to evaluate their upside accurately. We can dig up some of those players, so let's dive in!

Jarquez Hunter, RB, Auburn​

It's odd that a highly productive SEC running back is flying a bit under the radar this season. He's 5-foot-9 and 203 pounds (combined measurements), so it makes some sense, but he rushed 187 times for 1,201 yards (6.4 yards per carry), scored eight rushing touchdowns, and caught 21 passes for 155 yards and one touchdown.

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The most impressive part of Hunter's game is his elusiveness, though his 4.44-second 40-yard dash was also intriguing. The film is pretty, pretty good as well, and he was an explosive play machine, only outdone by UCF RB RJ Harvey, someone I consider a top-3 running back in the class, in big play generation.

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His tape is littered with example after example of him being very, very tough to get on the ground. Despite his smallish frame, he has the strength to stay upright while tacklers fall off of him if they take poor angles, and he has a pretty nice stiff arm. He doesn't have a lot of pass-catching upside, so he might not get a big role right away, but he could be a nice RB2 or RB1B option on quite a few teams.

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Hunter's efficiency against such good competition alone should be a green flag. He's yet another back I'd take over Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson, who's likely to be a massive bust. Hunter is somewhat similar to Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving, but a bit less elusive with the ball in his hands, a bit bigger, and a bit faster. That's a solid player to have on your roster.

​

Shaun Dolac, LB, Buffalo​

Walking in the footsteps of former Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack (well, sort of), Shaun Dolac is a highly talented Swiss-army-knife of a player who lined up often at the line of scrimmage, in the defensive backfield, and in pass coverage. His size is a bit concerning, but his play certainly isn't.

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Dolac was statistically dominant, leading his conference in many categories, which is impressive. He was an All-American as well. His smaller size will likely be an issue at the next level, but he could carve out a nice rotational role. Good defenses typically put together packages and call plays based on their players' strengths and to cover for their weaknesses, anyway.

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Dolac plays with a high football IQ and should punish offenses for missing their blocking assignments. He doesn't match up well with offensive linemen in the run game, but for where he'll be drafted, any production out of him for a few seasons would be a positive.

Rodgers just signed 1 year deal with Steelers. So they'll continue to be a .500 team and will pick in the middle of the draft next year.

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OTAs Week Two​

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Les Snead and Sean McVay have done a remarkable job of managing the Los Angeles Rams’ roster over the years, especially after remodeling the team in 2023 after a dreadful 2022 campaign. They’re made their share of mistakes (see: Robinson, Allen) but at the same time, they’ve also built a foundation of young players who can sustain long-term success.

Despite their cap-savvy moves, the Rams still have a fair amount of dead money on the books for 2025. Dead money is cap space allocated to players no longer on the team, either because they were cut, traded or retired.

According to Over The Cap, the Rams have $50.82 million in dead money this year. Here’s how it breaks down by player.

• Cooper Kupp: $22.26M (cut)
• Joe Noteboom: $10M (void year)
• Aaron Donald: $9.67M (retired)
• Jonah Jackson: $8.5M (traded)

The Rams’ $50.82 million in dead money is the eighth-most in the NFL and they’re one of just 10 teams with more than $40 million. Two of the Rams’ biggest rivals, the 49ers and Seahawks, are among the three teams with the most dead money in the league.

The 49ers have an NFL-high $92.65 million this year, with the Eagles second ($71.99M) and the Seahawks third ($67.45M). The Bears have the least dead money in the NFL with only $4.05 million paid out this year.