ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 31: South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Nick Emmanwori (7) reacts after a play between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Illinois Fighting Illini on December 31, 2024 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Rajvir Bal Comps Nick Emmanwori to Former Seahawks’ Standout

April 12, 2025 | Rajvir Bal | Articles

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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 05: Nick Emmanwori #7 of the South Carolina Gamecocks plays against the Mississippi Rebels during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 05, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori has been shooting up draft boards as of late.

Although he started the season much lower, major draft platforms such as NFL.com, CBS, Pro Football Network, Draftwire, and Fox Sports have mocked him first round in April (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

This Gamecocks’ defensive back has been on my radar for a while now, but I only got more intrigued after his performance at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine (Video Credit: NFL).

Nick Emmanwori hit 10.00 at SS, would hit it at FS and CB as well.

He'd also hit 10.00 at WR, though he'd actually be #2 behind Calvin Johnson, there's just a LOT of WR so due to rounding and such. He'd actually be like 9.999. Hits 9.87 at LB, with size dipping him. pic.twitter.com/kZsecaL1XX
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) February 28, 2025

What did he look like on his game film?

Let’s get into it.

Background

This prospect was a 3-star recruit coming out of high school (per 247Sports).

Emmanwori’s Stats:

2023:

11 games
71 tackles (47 solo)
2 interceptions
8 passes defended

2024:

13 games
88 tackles (57 solo)
4 interceptions
2 passes defended

#7 Nick Emmanwori 6-foot-3, 220 pounds
Rajvir Bal’s 2025 NFL Draft Grade: First-Round (I would select him)
Projected by 40.6% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of April 12, 2025 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

2024 game film reviewed: Clemson, Missouri, Kentucky, and LSU (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

Athleticism

Emmanwori’s athleticism is striking—he’s built like a linebacker but moves with the fluidity of a cornerback.

His Combine performance translates to the game film. He plays fast and darts to the ball in order to make a play. Not to mention, he can cover large areas of the field because of his quickness.

Tone-Setter

Emmanwori leads with emotion and physicality, inspiring those around him to elevate their play.

He has high-end explosiveness, breaking on the ball and running quickly and violently. This prospect delivers big, clean hits that make receivers think twice before attempting a contested catch against him. In addition, he has great versatility, seeing snaps lined up pre-snap in various positions around the field.

His relentlessness when bringing down ball carriers is also impressive. He has proved to be an aggressive tackler, no matter the odds. Plus, there’s a certain fearlessness in his eyes.

He is not scared to hit anyone.

Does His Job

Legendary former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was known for a simple motto: “Do your job.”

I have a feeling Coach Belichick would be a big fan of Emmanwori.

This prospect consistently finds himself in the right place at the right moment. He also plays with a certain selflessness as he’s constantly putting the team ahead of personal agendas.

That mindset, combined with his instincts, makes him a legitimate asset at the next level.

Coverage Abilities

His coverage abilities are average (at best).

While Emmanwori is “solid” against larger players, he struggles with smaller, quicker receivers who can easily cut around him. He also has a nasty tendency to drift in coverage and has below-average play recognition abilities. There’s room for improvement in his hip fluidity, especially when changing directions in coverage.

Ten Adjectives

Explosive. Fearless. Physical. Versatile. Intense. Fast. Aggressive. Delayed. Confident. Inconsistent.

NFL Crystal Ball

SEATTLE, WA – JANUARY 10: Kam Chancellor #31 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates after scoring a 90 yard touchdown off of an interception in the fourth quarter thrown by Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers iduring the 2015 NFC Divisional Playoff game at CenturyLink Field on January 10, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings

Indianapolis Colts

Baltimore Ravens

Pro Comp: Seattle Seahawks 4x Pro Bowl Safety Kam Chancellor

Role on Team: High-end starting safety with Pro-Bowl potential

Final Thoughts

Emmanwori plays defense like it’s personal. With his freakish traits and tone-setting style, he’s the kind of prospect that gets fans—and General Managers—out of their seats.

Rajvir Bal is a high school student from the Virginia area. He grew up a rabid Washington Redskins fan, attending more than 30 games, and has enjoyed the team’s high points and low points throughout his life. He plays varsity football and basketball. Rajvir has taken an interest in the NFL Draft since middle school when his team picked Montez Sweat and Dwayne Haskins in the first round. His favorite NFL player ever flips between Rob Gronkowski and Brett Favre, and his favorite athlete is LeBron James. He has been writing his own scouting reports since 2020, and is excited for the opportunities FirstRoundMock provides.