Hogs Haven takes a look at 2025 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders
Nick Emmanwori, SS
School: University of South Carolina| Conference: Southeastern
College Experience: Junior | Age: 21 (Week 1)
Height / Weight: 6’3”/ 220 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Mid-Late 1st round
Player Comparison: Jeremy Chinn / Derwin James Jr.
College Statistics
| Tackles | Def Interceptions | Fumbles | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Solo | Ast | Comb | TFL | Sk | Int | Yds | Avg | IntTD | PD | FR | Yds | FRTD | FF | Awards |
| 2022* | South Carolina | SEC | FR | DB | 13 | 62 | 23 | 85 | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2023 | South Carolina | SEC | SO | DB | 11 | 47 | 24 | 71 | 0 | 0.0 | 2 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2024* | South Carolina | SEC | SR | DB | 13 | 57 | 31 | 88 | 3 | 0.0 | 4 | 107 | 26.8 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Career | 37 | 166 | 78 | 244 | 4 | 0.0 | 6 | 107 | 17.8 | 2 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
Player Overview
Nick Emmanwori was a three-star recruit from Irmo High School (SC) who committed with local college, the University of South Carolina. He was the starter as a true freshman and started 35 of his 37 career games. He made an immediate impact as a freshman, leading the team in tackles (85 combined), becoming a Freshman All-American and making the Freshman All-SEC team. He would lead the Gamecocks in tackles again in 2024, with a slash line of 88 combined tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns), and 2 passes defended.
Nick Emmanwori is a rangy, supersized safety that thrives inside the box. He has the flexibility and mobility to mirror short-area throws in zone coverage. Able to cover running backs and tight ends. He’s quick to run and fill rushing lanes as soon as they appear. He is an explosive, yet sound tackler, leading his team in tackles two out of his three seasons at South Carolina. While Nick is a sure tackler, he needs to be better at his tackling angles. In addition, he is occasionally caught hesitating when diagnosing plays, leading to him over-relying on his elite traits to bail him out. With the body of a linebacker and the feet of a free safety, Nick Emmanwori is a force on defense. He is one of the best safeties in his draft class, projected to be a first round selection and an immediate starter.
Awards & Recognition
- Freshman All-American (2022)
- SEC All-Freshman Team (2022)
- Team’s Defensive MVP (2022)
- First-team Associated Press All-American (2024)
- First-team All-SEC (2024)
Metrics
Nick Emmanwori is a SS prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 10.00 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 1079 SS from 1987 to 2025.
Splits projected, times unofficial. Pending agis and bench, could be a new top guy!https://t.co/WDmbwaGk56 pic.twitter.com/53Vx9vR7dx
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) February 28, 2025
Strengths
- Body of a linebacker with the fluidity and movement of a safety.
- Run first defender. Fills in rushing lanes, tackles with leverage and a downhill attitude.
- Has the ability to play two-high safety.
- Explosive and sound tackler. Team leader in tackles.
- Good in zone coverage, and physical enough to cover running backs and tight ends.
- Improved his ball skills with more playing time (6 career interceptions and 11 pass defended).
Weaknesses
- Inconsistency when reading and reacting to plays.
- Relies too much on athleticism when unsure what he sees.
- Good feet but just short of centerfield range.
- Limited hip mobility affects his transitions in space.
- Needs to be less physical in coverage, had increased in penalties called in 2024.
Let’s See His Work
Nick Emmanwori is a safety with infinite upside.
He‘s an ATHLETE at 6’3, 227lbs and posted 4 picks, 3 PBUs, and 0 TDs allowed in 2024 to go with 73 tackles.
He’s capable of playing in the nickel, box, and single/double high. Unicorn alignment.
I have a 1st round grade on him. pic.twitter.com/zc9gfIaD6s
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 19, 2025
The best vertical jump (43″) and broad jump (11’6″) of ANYONE at this year’s Combine.
South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori is one to watch @Eman7Nick | @GamecockFB pic.twitter.com/158IrIOzkE
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2025
Interviews
How Will He Fit On The Team
The Commanders focus in this draft and future drafts is to get as much talent as possible. The defense needs as many talented contributors as possible to return to the postseason. Even if the comparison is apt, there is probably no better replacement for the departed Jeremy Chinn than Nick Emmanwori. He gives the defense a run-first defender with off-the-charts athleticism. He gives HC Dan Quinn and DC Joe Whitt a third rangy every down linebacker who can improve one of the worst run defenses last season. Nick Emmanwori can be an immediate contributor and foundational piece of the defense, raising both talent and upside.