Live Report: Former Gamecock Nick Emmanwori Projected as First-Round Pick in Latest NFL Mock Draft
The South Carolina Gamecocks are poised to see one of their standout players make waves in the NFL, as Nick Emmanwori, their star safety, has landed in the first round of ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft.
A Stellar Season for the Gamecocks
The Gamecocks enjoyed an impressive 2024 campaign, finishing the regular season with just three losses and a late-season winning streak that had fans buzzing. While their bowl game loss to Illinois was a setback, it was still a successful year for Shane Beamer and his team.
The program will bid farewell to key contributors this offseason, but their roster remains stocked with promising talent. Among the departing leaders, Nick Emmanwori stands out, having delivered yet another exceptional season in Columbia. His on-field dominance is now catching the attention of NFL scouts.
Emmanwori to the Buccaneers?
In Kiper’s mock draft, Emmanwori is projected to go 19th overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team eager to bolster its secondary. Here’s what Kiper had to say about the pick:

“Emmanwori has closed the gap to (Malachi) Starks in the safety rankings, and I considered him five spots earlier for the Colts,” Kiper wrote. “Emmanwori is going to be a red-hot prospect throughout the predraft process. He has a big frame at 6-foot-3, 227 pounds, but he moves like a smaller defensive back. He picked off four passes this season (2 pick-sixes), and he could fit in nicely for the Buccaneers’ defense. Emmanwori next to Antoine Winfield Jr. could do some damage to opposing passing attacks.”
A Decorated Career
Emmanwori’s college career was nothing short of remarkable. Over three years with the Gamecocks, he racked up:
- 244 total tackles
- 6 interceptions
- 4 tackles for loss
The Irmo High School product became a key figure in South Carolina’s defense almost immediately, earning Freshman All-American honors and culminating his college tenure with a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection.
This past season, Emmanwori was a force in the secondary, picking off four passes, two of which he returned for touchdowns. His ability to combine size, speed, and instinct makes him a top prospect and a natural fit for Tampa Bay’s defense alongside Antoine Winfield Jr.
The Right Decision at the Right Time
After just three years of collegiate football, Emmanwori declared for the NFL Draft, a move that now looks like a brilliant decision. With his name climbing mock drafts, he’s set to join the ranks of former Gamecocks making an impact in the NFL.
Stay tuned as we follow Emmanwori’s journey through the predraft process, leading up to the NFL Draft in April.