2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori

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Nick Emmanwori | S | South Carolina

Height: 6’3″
Weight: 227 lbs
Draft Projection: Mid 1st Round
Notable Accomplishment: 2024 AP First-Team All-American

Pros: I love players with rare characteristics, and it is RARE to see a safety of over 225 pounds that can move and change direction as well as Emmanwori can. He is one of the best box defenders in this draft, displaying superb tackling skills and strong instincts in run defense. While his fluidity in coverage may not be the highlight of his game, it is certainly more than sufficient for a player who will be spending a high percentage of time in the box. I believe his footwork is what makes him so multi-faceted, as his feet are quick to respond and allow him to change directions quickly in coverage. Emmanwori also made significant progress in the turnover department this season, picking off four passes. He plays the ball incredibly well when one-on-one in coverage, and his long frame allows him to extend his body and deflect the pass down the field, even if he loses a step at the break of a route. If his college tape is worth anything, Emmanwori will have the opportunity to be a coverage specialist against tight ends. He smothered the competition when faced against a tight end in man coverage, and continued progression should only lead to more of that at the next level.

Cons: As much as I like Emmanwori in man-coverage and as a run defender, there is still a bit left to be desired as it pertains to zone coverage. Emmanwori does not have the smoothest backpedal, and he can be late to react to in-breaking receivers over the middle of the field. There were also a couple games this season where Emmanwori was faced one-on-one with a receiver down the field and got a little grabby. It was not called every time, but NFL officiating will be tighter on him if he cannot clean it up himself.

Overview: The upside for Emmanwori is outstanding when taking into consideration his ability to be a true hybrid defender for a defense. The concern with this type of prospect is that he may be a tweener and never good enough for the NFL at either safety or linebacker. In a man-oriented system that allows him to play the run on early downs, I believe Emmanwori has Pro-Bowl potential early in his career.

NFL Comparison: Jeremy Chinn