Nick Emmanwori
Summary
Nick Emmanwori was selected in the 2nd Round (#35 Overall) out of University of South Carolina. Emmanwori brings a compelling blend of size, speed, versatility, and physicality—traits that make him one of the more intriguing safety prospects in recent years. His standout strengths lie in his athleticism, ability to defend multiple roles, and big‑play potential. His biggest developmental tasks revolve around refining his coverage technique, improving hip fluidity and reaction in space, and maintaining discipline in run‑defense and sub‑package roles. If he develops well, Emmanwori has the tools to become a difference‑maker in the NFL; if not, he still projects as a strong rotational contributor with high upside.
Strengths
Rare size–speed combination: Emmanwori blends linebacker‑size (6′3″/220 lbs) with safety‑type movement. His 4.38 40‑yard time and elite vertical/broad numbers underscore this. His length, arm span, and physical build give him natural advantages covering tight ends, bigger receivers, and contributing in the box. Field Gulls
Coverage ability & ball skills: He is described as a “true single‑high safety” in college with the ability to cover sideline‑to‑sideline. Possesses good hands, interception potential, and does a strong job locating the ball in the air. Bleacher Report
Run support and downhill aggressiveness: He shows the capability to come downhill quickly, fill gaps, and tackle well in run defense for a defensive back. His physicality and willingness to engage in the box add value as a hybrid safety/linebacker type. NFL Draft Buzz
Versatility / positional flexibility: Emmanwori has experience in multiple alignments: box, split safety, slot/field, showing that he can be used in various defensive schemes. Field Gulls
Weaknesses
Coverage transition fluidity & hip‑movement: While fast in straight‑line, his backpedal, hip‑turn, and change‑of‑direction are noted as less fluid than elite pure safeties. He can look a bit stiff when forced to flip his hips or react late in coverage. Some game‑tape shows him getting out‑ of‑position due to aggressive downhill reads or overly committed angles. NFL Draft Buzz
Aggressiveness vs. discipline balance in run support: His aggressiveness is a strength, but sometimes it leads to being out of place—taking bad angles, over‑pursuing, or losing coverage responsibilities. He may need refinement in his “first‑to‑the‑action” mentality in run‑defense, and shows some inconsistency finishing tackles in space or negotiating blocks effectively.
Coverage instincts still developing: Though strong athlete, some scouts believe his instincts and feel for coverage are still a work in progress—especially diagnosing complex route combinations, staying on the catch point, and avoiding penalties when physical. SI
Ceiling vs. role clarity: Because of his hybrid profile, the question remains whether he will thrive as a full‑time single‑high free safety, or whether his best long‑term role is as a box/strong safety or nickel hybrid. Some evaluations label him as a “boom‑or‑bust” candidate depending on scheme fit. Field Gulls
Fit & Outlook
Emmanwori is likely to contribute early in sub‑package and hybrid roles for Seattle—perhaps as a big nickel/box safety covering tight ends and big backs, and gradually taking on more full‑time safety duties. If he refines his transitions, coverage instincts, and becomes more consistent in run support, he has the potential to develop into a top‑tier starter at safety with Pro Bowl upside. Key factors for success include cheme fit (a free safety/box hybrid role suits him best), consistent coaching on coverage technique and angles, and refinement of positional instincts will unlock his ceiling.