Nick Emmanwori is one of the top safety prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. We break down his game and the best NFL fits heading into draft season.
Who is Nick Emmanwori?
Nick Emmanwori was a three-star recruit out of Irmo, South Carolina, who stayed in his home state to play for the Gamecocks. He spent three years in the SEC, improving year on year and forming a name for himself as one of the best defensive backs in the draft.
Emmanwori is a unique talent, standing just over six-foot-three and running a 4.38 flat at the NFL combine earlier this year.
He started all three seasons at South Carolina, and the man did it all out on the field. His man to man skills improved year on year, with four of his six career interceptions coming in his third and final year with the program.
The star safety can play the single high role and patrol the field, with great sideline-to-sideline speed and awareness on the back end. That said, he will also make a standout strong safety playing down in the box, with over 200 tackles to his name in college.
Nick Emmanwori top 30 visits
With a stunning eight top 30 visits prior to the draft, Nick Emmanwori is going to be among the most popular players in the 2025 draft. So far, he’s visited with:
- Atlanta Falcons
- Carolina Panthers
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Miami Dolphins
- New Orleans Saints
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Seattle Seahawks
The South Carolina prospect also met with multiple other teams at his college pro day, including the Denver Broncos.
Nick Emmanwori ideal landing spots
With so many visits, Emmanwori’s name could be called a lot sooner than some initially expected. He’s had a tremendous run in the build-up to the 2025 draft, with a stellar combine mixed with a lot of intrigue from teams around the league.
So, chances are that the safety is not falling out of the first round. With that in mind, here are the top three landing spots for Nick Emmanwori in the 2025 NFL draft.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins allowed Jevon Holland to walk this off-season. He signed a three year deal with the New York Giants, while Jordan Poyer remains a free agent after a miserable year in Miami.
The Dolphins now find themselves lacking any real difference-makers at safety. They signed both Ashtyn Davis formerly of the New York Jets and Ifeatu Melifonwu formerly of the Detroit Lions, both to one-year deals in free agency. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see the Dolphins make a play for Emmanwori.
The only kicker here is their spot in the draft. Currently holding the number #13 pick, the Dolphins likely need to prioritize the offensive line. If they’re lucky they might be able to make a play for the South Carolina safety in the early second round, but at this point it seems unlikely.
Nick Emmanwori is a perfect fit in Miami, especially considering defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver came from Baltimore, who had Kyle Hamilton in an identical role. The only question is how they get it done?
Seattle seahawks
Seahawks fans favorite era was the ‘Legion of Boom’ era, and Emmanwori is drawing some comparisons to ‘Bam Bam’ Kam Chancellor. The now-retired safety spent his entire career in Seattle, winning a Super Bowl along with two All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowls.
Nick Emmanwori would be the new generations Kam for Mike Macdonald, who also knows of the luxury that is a player like Kyle Hamilton. The now Seattle head coach was hired right out of his role as the defensive coordinator in Baltimore, and is now looking to implement that gritty, tough, no-nonsense defense with his new team.
The Seahawks draft pick options in round one may include the Gamecocks product. They’re picking at #18 and that is starting to feel like the region Emmanwori will hear his name called.
Minnesota Vikings
Brian Flores knows a thing or two about setting the tone on defense too. The Vikings defensive coordinator has installed a sturdy defense under Kevin O’Connell, but the franchise is going to need to consider their future at safety.
Vikings icon Harrison Smith is back for one more year, but outside of his veteran presence there’s very little star power within that safety unit. Drafting Emmanwori to play alongside Harrison Smith at least early on seems a smart move, allowing the rookie to learn from the veteran before he takes his place.
Minnesota are currently picking at #24 in the first round of the draft. If the safety is available at that spot, they will absolutely consider pulling the trigger.
Where do you think Nick Emmanwori is going to go in the draft? Let us know in Instagram at @Gamedaysoda
This is part of our 2025 Draft Fits series — check out our takes on Omarion Hampton and Jalen Milroe.
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