Not every NFL player reaches their full potential when their career begins. The coaching approach, system fit, usage, and organizational direction all influence how quickly a player can show their potential. Additionally, a change of scenery can elevate the trajectory of a talented athlete. In the cases of Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and George Pickens, both players are proving that the right environment can unlock star-level performance. Their emergence highlights how ability, confidence, and development can surge when a team puts a player in the best position to succeed. These are two players thriving after a change of scenery.
Two Players Thriving After a Change of Scenery
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. Thriving with the Rams
Emmanuel Forbes Jr., selected 16th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, entered Washington with the expectation of becoming a long-term fixture in the secondary. Forbes holds the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) record for most career interceptions returned for a touchdown with six and is fourth in Mississippi State history with 14 interceptions. With coaching changes and shifting defensive philosophies, Forbes was not consistently placed in a role that maximized his strengths. Even without a stable developmental structure, he recorded 45 tackles, 12 passes defended, and 2 interceptions in just 20 games. Additionally, he showed the natural coverage talent that made him one of the most highly regarded corners in his class. His length, instincts, anticipation, and ability to stay connected to receivers have always been defining traits.
Midway through his second season, Washington shockingly released Forbes. It was a move that surprised many around the league, given his age, upside, and first-round pedigree. Moreover, it was not a reflection of his talent but rather the result of organizational reset and scheme transition. Shortly after, the Los Angeles Rams claimed him in December of 2024. The fit has been ideal. Under Sean McVay and defensive coordinator Chris Shula, Forbes has been utilized in ways that showcase his raw talent in coverage, aggressiveness, reactive quickness, and ability to stay glued to receivers. Forbes has already started eight games, and he has forced a fumble, recorded three interceptions, which is a career high, and has posted 13 passes defended, which is another career high. He is playing with confidence, poise, and swagger. His presence stands out on film.
Forbes Locking Down Receivers
His matchups against top receivers have been a major storyline. In Week 11, Forbes matched up with Jackson Smith-Njigba twenty times. It was the most JSN has faced against any single defender this season. JSN caught only three of five targets for thirty yards. Additionally, he is currently the most productive receiver in football. Forbes followed that with a standout performance last night against the Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. He was targeted seven times and did not allow a reception. No defender since Week Twelve of 2022 has been targeted that many times without giving up a catch. Furthermore, he also recorded a career high in passes defended during the win (5). For a Rams team pushing for a Super Bowl, Forbes has become an ascending young stud corner with major upside.
George Pickens Reaching His Ceiling in Dallas
George Pickens showed elite talent in Pittsburgh. The offensive structure limited how much of his skill set could be displayed. Additionally, many fans knew he wouldn’t reach his ceiling in Pittsburgh. The system rarely used the middle of the field. His route tree did not expand. Quarterback play restricted opportunities for explosive production. Even with those limitations, Pickens still recorded 1140 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2023. It proved his natural talent.
The Steelers eventually traded Pickens because they believed he needed to mature and wanted a reset for both him and the organization. Pittsburgh felt he had major maturity concerns. Additionally, it has raised the question of whether the team did enough to support that development. Many fans now wonder if clearer leadership, better coaching continuity, and an evolving offensive identity could have helped him grow while remaining in Pittsburgh. The Steelers received a third and a fifth-round pick. The reaction has become more critical as Pickens continues to shine.
In Dallas, Pickens has been fully unlocked. In only 11 games with the Cowboys, he already has a career high in receptions (67) and sits at 1054 yards. He is on pace to surpass his previous total in much fewer games. Additionally, he already owns a career-high 8 touchdowns. The Cowboys feature him across all levels of the field. They allow him to showcase his athleticism, body control, strong hands, and natural playmaking ability. He looks trusted, featured, and explosive in an offense that highlights everything he does well.
Not a Good Look for Pittsburgh
As Pickens continues to thrive, Pittsburgh has fallen from the division lead and is slipping out of the playoff picture. Pickens alone has 1054 receiving yards. Additionally, all of the Steelers’ wide receivers combined have 1082 yards. Coaching evaluation, player development, and roster decision-making are now major talking points among Steelers fans.
Main Photo: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The post Two Players Thriving After a Change of Scenery appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.