The NFL is constantly seeking prospects who can play multiple roles with elite athleticism. South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori fits that description perfectly as a gigantic safety with the traits to fly all over the field and wreck games.
Nick Emmanwori’s Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6’3”
- Weight: 220 pounds
- Position: Safety
- School: South Carolina
- Current Year: Junior
Emmanwori’s Scouting Report
Coming out of Imro High School in South Carolina, Emmanwori was a three-star recruit in the 2022 class, per 247Sports. He was recognized as the 59th-ranked safety and the seventh prospect overall in the state of South Carolina.
Emmanwori contributed early for the Gamecocks, replacing an injured starter in the first series of the season and never relinquishing it. After starting the remaining 12 games of the 2022 season, Emmanwori was recognized by ESPN.com, On3, and PFF as a Freshman All-American.
As a sophomore in 2023, Emmanwori started 11 games and finished the season with 71 tackles, eight pass breakups, two interceptions, and one quarterback hurry.
In his final season at South Carolina, Emmanwori was recognized as one of the best safeties in the country. Through 12 games, he compiled 88 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, and four interceptions. The Associated Press also awarded him first-team All-American Honors, and he was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. CSN also named him as the 2024 Safety of the Year and to the CSN All-American team.
Strengths
- Elite athleticism, particularly his long speed, burst, and athleticism.
- Has the range to cover the full field from depth.
- Massive build allows him to play in the box and impact the run game.
- Is able to contribute in multiple roles as a linebacker in the box or as a safety over the top of a defense.
- Very fluid mover in pass coverage, which helps him stick with shifty and fast receivers.
- Physicality and size aid him in battling with tight ends.
- Reliable tackler with strong technique. Has the explosiveness and aggressiveness to deliver big hits to ball carriers.
- Quickly closes down gaps when the ball is in the air on receivers.
Weaknesses
- Needs to improve angles when tracking ball carriers.
- Inconsistent instincts and shows hesitation in his decision-making.
- Can be overly reliant on his athleticism at times when he needs to trust his eyes.
- Limited hip mobility due to his size slows down his ability to transition efficiently.
Current Draft Projection and Summary
Emmanwori is one of the rarest safety prospects to enter the NFL for having the build of a linebacker but the movement skills of a compact-free safety.
His physical profile is the dream of any NFL defensive coordinator. He has the physicality and explosiveness to provide value in the box as a run defender. His mobility and range are exceptional in coverage, showing an ability to keep up with faster receivers.
Emmanwori’s role isn’t as simple as lining up at strong or free safety. The right defensive coordinator will deploy him as a multi-role chess piece, similar to how the Baltimore Ravens have used star safety Kyle Hamilton.
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The NFL covets speed and size at every defensive position, meaning Emmanwori’s NFL Draft stock will be significantly boosted following his amazing showing at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. With a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and a 43-inch vertical jump, Emmanwori arguably had the greatest testing performance by a safety ever in Indianapolis.
With so many boxes checked, Emmanwori is likely to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Even though the NFL typically doesn’t value safeties early in the draft, he still will be highly sought after and could be the first safety picked overall.