At 6’3″ and 227 pounds with his athletic testing, the South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori highlights a star-studded draft class at the position. The 21-year-old could be the first safety taken and hear his name called before other notable players like Georgia’s Malaki Starks or Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts, who will likely be a first rounder as well.
While many versatile defensive backs could play some linebacker in the box or even nickel cornerback, there isn’t a physical freak like Emmanwori in this class. Plus, with his athletic testing, many can plug him in as a Kyle Hamilton or Derwin James type player for any defense that has shades of Kam Chancellor to his game, a player that can stuff the run and shut down tight ends.
Safety Nick Emmanwori Potential Top-15 Lock
Let Nick Emmanwori cook. 11’6” broad jump in addition to his 43” vert!
📺: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/w8ff6cmx0p— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2025
The junior had a career season with the Gamecocks, with 4 interceptions, including two to the house, 2 pass deflections, and 88 total tackles as a do-it-all safety. He was a First-team All-SEC and All-American for his performance last season, as he emerged in 2022 (SEC All-Freshman Team) with 85 total tackles. As the leader of the South Carolina defense, Emmanwori is a hot commodity.
Emmanwori was already a first-round pick, but after his combine, he could elevate himself to the top-15 selection in April for the 2025 NFL Draft. He had an 11’6″ broad jump and a 43″ vertical jump, top of the class. On top of that, Emmanwori ran a 4.4 in his first 40-yard dash (unofficial) and a 4.38 in his second attempt (unofficial).
In terms of relative athletic testing (RAS), he’s already one of the top players in this year’s draft. According to Next Gen Stats, his vertical and broad were one of the best by anyone weighing at least 220 lbs.+ ever since 2003 in Combine history.
At the Combine, so far, the star safety has met with teams with mid-first round picks like the Seattle Seahawks and Houston Texans. He may not make it there, as a team that could have a lethal safety duo if Emmanwori was drafted there would be the Baltimore Ravens with Hamilton (even if that is unlikely).
The funniest NFL comparison I saw was D.K. Metcalf at safety with his height, weight, and speed. The NFL teams mentioned will likely not get a chance at him, as the Carolina Panthers with the 8th overall selection could be a perfect fit in the top-10 or 15 range. Emmanwori also had or will have a meeting with the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars yesterday and today, according to SI, at the Combine.
Nick Emmanwori running a 4.38 at 6’3″ | 220 LBS is absurd
— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 28, 2025
