2023 NFL Draft: Where They're Projecting Mississippi State CB Emmanuel Forbes Will Land

Former Mississippi State secondary standout Emmanuel Forbes has been one of the more polarizing prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft with several drawn to his accomplishments and impact on the record books both at the FBS, SEC and program level.

On the other side of the coin are those who are skeptical because of Forbes' slighter frame, though that hasn't seemed to give him any issues up to this point in his career.

Forbes finished out the 2022 college football season with 46 combined tackles (26 solo), 11 passes defended and six interceptions. It will be interesting to see where he lands when teams are on the clock later this week -- and that much is anyone's guess with the projections all over the place in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Here's a look at what some of the analysts across the country are predicting:

Eric Edholm, NFL.com: No. 23, Minnesota Vikings

Edholm's take: "Forbes’ slight build (6-foot-1, 166 pounds) will be highly scrutinized, but his playmaking prowess is unquestioned (14 INTs over three seasons, with an NCAA-record six pick-sixes). He’d be a strong replacement for Patrick Peterson on what was the NFL’s 31st-ranked pass defense a year ago. New defensive coordinator Brian Flores could use a man corner with Forbes’ length and skill set."

Nate Davis, USA TODAY: No. 28, Cincinnati Bengals

Davis' take: "Cincy has done a nice job drafting ahead, yet the Bengals are a team in transition in the secondary. Forbes is quite a thief, picking off 14 passes in three seasons with the Bulldogs, six returned for TDs (an FBS record). But he will need an NFL nutrition program to add to the 166 pounds currently attached to his 6-1 frame."

Peter King, NBC Sports: No. 22, Baltimore Ravens

King's take: "I’ve thought receiver for the last month, even after Odell Beckham Jr. signed with the Ravens. But Forbes is the imperfect candidate in a wholly imperfect draft, and I think he’s going in the first round. There is so much to like with the 6-0 ¾, 168-pound corner, the most productive defensive back in this draft. The only thing not to like is his rail-thin physique. But how about missing one of 37 college games with injury, returning six interceptions for touchdowns (an NCAA record), and having 30 interceptions in his past six seasons (16 in high school, 14 in college)? You want this man on your team. The Ravens would figure out how to maximize his instinctive play."

Bryant McFadden, CBS: No. 21, Detroit Lions

McFadden's take: "Forbes is the best ball-hawking DB in the draft, with 18 interceptions and six pick-sixes in the three years at Mississippi State. Detroit is winning in my mock draft."

Aaron Bloch, PFF: No. 28, New York Giants (via Cincinnati Bengals)

"The Giants trade back, add a fifth-round pick to the mix and still get to select the premier ballhawk cornerback in this draft class. Forbes was the SEC's top-graded cornerback last season and is an ideal scheme fit for defensive coordinator Wink Martindale."