Mississippi State DB Emmanuel Forbes, Jr declares for 2023 NFL Draft

The Mississippi State Bulldogs football program was dealt some sad news on Thursday night, but it was certainly expected. The Bulldogs star defensive back, Emmanuel Forbes, Jr. officially announced his plans to skip his senior season and enter the 2023 NFL Draft on his Twitter page.

“First, I would like to thank God, as without him, none of this would be possible. Second, I would like to thank my family and friends, for they have motivated me beyond measure. I would also like to thank my coaches and teammates for molding me into the player and man I am today. Last, I would like to thank all the Bulldog fans for taking me in and treating me like family,” Forbes wrote.

“Deciding to play for Mississippi State has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have grown off the field just as much as I have developed on it. I’ve had the opportunity to play for some of the best coaches anybody can ask for. After talking with my family and coaches, I’m excited to announce I will be forgoing my senior year and entering the 2023 NFL Draft. Hail Damn State! Emmanuel Forbes, Jr.“

Forbes is a finalist for the Conerly Trophy, given to the best player in the state of Mississippi. Bulldogs head coach Mike Leach spoke highly of him. “I have great respect for the other finalists, but they didn’t rewrite the record books like Emmanuel Forbes. He is the ultimate competitor. One of the greatest players I’ve ever coached,” Leach said.

Emmanuel Forbes, Jr. finished his career as one of the best players in school history

Forbes left a legacy in Starkville as one of the best defensive backs in Mississippi State football history and he set several school records. Earlier this season against East Tennessee State, he snatched his sixth pick-six of his college football career, setting the SEC and national record. He finished his career with 14 career interceptions for Mississippi State. This season, he snatched six interceptions, had 15 passes deflected, and three touchdowns. Forbes firmly cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in Bulldog history. He’ll join a growing number of talented defensive backs from MSU at the next level, including Martin Emerson, Jr.

More on the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft takes place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event location this year is the plaza just outside of Union Station.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft broadcast runs throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility. One hundred underclassmen gained approval for last year’s draft. Seventy-three of those 100 underclassmen received special eligibility while 27 of them were underclassmen who had completed their college degrees.

The 2023 NFL scouting combine will take place from Feb. 28 through March 6 in Indianapolis.