Steelers mock draft round 2: CB Emmanuel Forbes
With Patrick Peterson signed and a slew of other fine starters behind him, the Steelers don’t need a day-one-ready cornerback in this draft class. Peterson has spoken numerous times about how he loves to mentor, so grabbing a prospect that has a lot of potential, even if there is a learning curve implied, makes a lot of sense.
While Emmanuel Forbes lacks the technique and instant impact some of the top cornerbacks will have in this class, he has a tremendous ceiling. Beyond just ball skills, which he has an obvious knack for, Forbes is a capable man coverage cornerback. He uses his athleticism to hang with speedy wide receivers deep.
Beyond his ability to make plays, Forbes is also a physical defender. He hits hard and loves to come up and play the run. He needs to add some mass to his frame, as he is far too lean right now, and his technique in coverage needs to improve.
That’s why the Steelers are a great landing spot. He can serve as a reserve in his rookie season, build out his frame, and earn from the likes of Peterson. Long-term, he should be a more than capable starter along the outside for this team.