Live Report: Nick Emmanwori Emerging as a Sleeper NFL Draft Prospect
COLUMBIA, S.C. — With the NFL season wrapped up, all eyes are shifting toward the NFL Draft, and one name that could rise late in the process is Nick Emmanwori. The South Carolina Gamecocks star safety might not be a household name yet, but scouts are beginning to take notice.
The NFL Scouting Combine is just around the corner, and teams are gearing up for a closer look at potential prospects. While safeties don’t traditionally go early in the draft, Emmanwori’s rare blend of size, speed, and production makes him a legitimate sleeper.
Every year, Bruce Feldman of The Athletic releases his “Freaks List”, highlighting the most physically gifted players in college football. Emmanwori is one of the top names Feldman has pegged to make waves in Indianapolis.
“The former three-star recruit was lights-out again last season, earning first-team All-America honors after leading the team with 88 tackles, to go with four interceptions and three tackles for loss,” Feldman noted. “He turned 21 this month. At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, he ran, I’m told, a 4.35 in the 40 last week.”
His ideal landing spot? A downhill, physical defense like the Baltimore Ravens or Seattle Seahawks, where his instincts and hard-hitting style would thrive. While his lateral quickness in coverage is a slight concern, his size allows him to match up well with tight ends and bigger receivers, making him a valuable asset in underneath zone schemes.
Where Emmanwori truly shines is in the run game. With his frame, he’s almost like an extra linebacker when rolled into the box. Yet, his speed ensures he can still contain perimeter runs, making him a versatile chess piece in any defensive scheme.
His ability to play both the run and the pass makes him invaluable in today’s NFL, allowing teams to stay in nickel formations against bigger offensive sets. That kind of versatility, paired with his elite athleticism, could vault him into first-round consideration this April.
With the draft process heating up, Emmanwori’s stock is one to watch. Will he rise up the boards and hear his name called on Day 1? Time will tell—but NFL teams are officially on notice.
