“NFL Draft Shockwave: Nick Emmanwori Skyrockets Up Mel Kiper’s Board After Historic Combine!”
South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori has officially put the NFL world on notice. Once considered a fringe first-rounder, Emmanwori delivered a jaw-dropping performance at the NFL Combine, sending his draft stock soaring.
Emmanwori’s Combine Performance Was One for the Ages
Before the Combine, Nick Emmanwori was already on scouts’ radar, but his athletic showcase in Indianapolis exceeded even the highest expectations. His numbers were nothing short of elite:
- 4.38-second 40-yard dash
- 43-inch vertical jump (Best among all players)
- 11-foot, 6-inch broad jump (Best among all players)
With those results, it’s no surprise that ESPN’s Mel Kiper has taken notice.
Kiper: “It Was Pure Domination”
In his latest rankings of the biggest risers post-Combine, Kiper made it clear just how much Emmanwori impressed:
“Everyone was talking about Emmanwori as a potential combine standout. He lived up to the hype in a big way. His 43-inch vertical and 11-foot, 6-inch broad jump ranked No. 1 among all players. His 4.38-second time in the 40 ranked second among safeties (though his 1.49-second 10-yard split was first). It was pure domination, and his outstanding explosion was on full display.”
Kiper believes Emmanwori could now be the first safety selected in the draft:
“Toss in really good production in college (four picks in 2024), and he might end up being the first safety off the board. I had Georgia’s Malaki Starks (who ran a solid 4.50) over him at No. 14 to the Colts in the mock draft. Emmanwori was No. 27 to the Ravens. Those two might flip spots after this week.”
From Three-Star Recruit to Potential First Safety Drafted
Emmanwori’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. The former three-star recruit started all three seasons for South Carolina, proving himself as one of the SEC’s top defensive backs. Now, after dominating the Combine, he’s in serious contention to be the first safety off the board on draft night.
