Nick Emmanwori

Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina, SS, 6'3⅛", 220 lbs, Junior

Draft Profile

Frankly: Here is a versatile athlete who counteracts offensive attempts to create mismatches. He can cover the fastest receivers, especially tight ends, and hits with ferocity. He will test some defensive coordinators' imagination. 

Overview

Nick Emmanwori is built to make an immediate impact in the NFL, offering a rare blend of size, speed, and physicality that fits perfectly into modern defensive schemes. His ability to match up with tight ends, patrol the deep middle, and deliver punishing hits makes him a versatile weapon for defenses that rely on safeties to handle multiple roles. Emmanwori is an ideal fit for heavy-quarters coverage systems, where his downhill aggression and range can shine. While his zone coverage technique requires refinement, his mental acuity and physical tools suggest a high developmental ceiling. Teams seeking hybrid defenders to counter the complexities of modern offenses will find Emmanwori an enticing option. With the potential for Pro Bowl honors, he is poised to thrive under a creative defensive coordinator willing to deploy him dynamically.

Background

Nick Emmanwori’s rise from Irmo High School to South Carolina star demonstrates his natural athleticism and adaptability. Stepping into South Carolina’s starting lineup during his freshman year, he quickly established himself as a defensive cornerstone, compiling 244 tackles and six interceptions over 37 games. His junior season included standout plays such as four interceptions, with two returned for touchdowns, earning him First-Team All-SEC recognition. Emmanwori transitioned seamlessly from high school linebacker—where he recorded a staggering 232 tackles in his senior year—to versatile collegiate safety, showcasing his ability to impact the game across multiple dimensions. His leadership qualities were evident as he served as a Rex Enright Team Captain while earning SEC Academic Honor Roll honors.

Scouting Report

Pros:

Emmanwori’s size-speed combination—verified by a 4.38 forty in a linebacker-sized frame—creates significant matchup problems for opposing offenses. His downhill play style, elite closing burst, and expansive tackle radius make him an effective run-stopper who rarely misses tackles. In man coverage, Emmanwori’s length and natural route recognition shine, particularly against tight ends. His mental processing allows him to diagnose screens and misdirection plays with veteran-like efficiency, often disrupting plays before they develop. Emmanwori’s ball skills are exceptional, showcasing natural hands and the ability to attack the catch point effectively. His physicality sets the tone for his defense, playing with controlled aggression that energizes teammates. His traits also translate seamlessly to special teams, projecting him as a four-phase contributor early in his career.

Cons:

Despite his strengths, Emmanwori’s aggressive downhill approach occasionally leads to overcommitment, taking him out of position. His high-cut frame introduces stiffness in transition, limiting his effectiveness when matched against shiftier receivers. Zone coverage remains a developmental area, as Emmanwori can lose track of routes while focusing on the quarterback’s eyes. While his straight-line speed is elite, his change-of-direction ability shows some stiffness, which skilled route runners may exploit.

 

2022

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
1.0	0.0	0.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
1.0	2.0	78.0	0.0	1.0	0.0	59.0