Emmanwori was an NFL Combine standout, but what was he like in actual football film?
One of my favorite times of the year is writing the Seattle Seahawks NFL Draft reports. I’ve already nailed it: Byron Murphy II, Christian Haynes, Tyrice Knight, Devon Witherspoon, Zach Charbonnet, Olu Oluwatimi, Kenny McIntosh, Boye Mafe, Abe Lucas, Riq Woolen, to name a few from the last three years.
We’re still in Year 2 of Mike Macdonald, so it’s still early to set trends, just like it was in Pete Carroll’s time. Obviously, John Schneider is still in charge and should follow some of these guidelines.
We’ll continue to have a lot of players between now and the draft:
Let’s go to the report!
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2025 Draft Reports:
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Prospect Info
Name: Nick Emmanwori
Jersey #: 7
College: South Carolina Gamecocks
Position: SS
Awards: – Semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe;
– 2022 SEC All-Freshman Team;- First-Team All-SEC (2024); Class: Junior
Style: Zone
Comparison: Jeremy Chinn
Projection: Late 1st round
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Stats
2024: 13 G, 88 Tackles, 3 TFL, 4 INT, 2 PD, 2 Pick Six
2023: 11 G, 71 Tackles, 2 INT, 8 PD
2022: 13 G, 85 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 PD, 1 FR
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Combine/Pro Day Results
HT 6’3
WT 220
Arms: 32’ 1/2”
Wingspan N/A
Hands 9’
40 yds 4.38s
10 yd split 1.49s
Short Shuttle: N/A
3 Cone Drill: N/A
VJ 43”
BJ 11’ 6”
Bench Press 20
RAS: 10
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Background
What began as an emergency replacement in 2022 has evolved into one of the most impressive three-year runs by a defensive back in Gamecock history. Emmanwori has racked up 244 tackles and six interceptions in 37 games, with 36 starts. His junior campaign in 2024 proved to be particularly special, as he earned unanimous First-Team All-SEC honors while terrorizing opposing offenses with four interceptions, including two pick-sixes that showcased his playmaking talents.
He’s not Kyle Hamilton 2.0
Especially when he’s compared to the Seahawks and Mike Macdonald to the Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton. That’s an unfair comparison. I believe Emmanwori will be a great player in the NFL even if he doesn’t reach Hamilton’s level. Both have the versatility to play in different roles and alignments, but Hamilton is an unusually intelligent player. Furthermore, the range he has in the centerfield is not something you find everywhere.
Evaluating the prospect…
Working as a Tackler
This is the type of player we need from him more consistently. The receiver tries to escape, but Emmanwori uses his reach and strength to bring him to the ground.
He is a strong guy, usually uses the right technique, but sometimes he can go too high and this causes him to have ups and downs as a tackler.
Changes direction well, gets to the play, but when it’s time to help, he ends up missing the tackle.
Alignment/Versatility
Playing as a nickel, showing speed to cover all the way down the field. He gets a little desperate before the ball arrives and grabs it before he should. In the NFL, this would probably be a penalty. Still, he shows great ability to intercept the pass.
He plays as a deep safety and keeps his eyes on the QB. He moves and cuts the passing lane.
Again, deep in the field. Emmanwori quickly reads the QB’s intentions and arrives in time to deflect the pass.
Athletic ability
He uses his wingspan and change of direction to deflect the pass.
Explosive in short space to deflect the pass.
Jalen Milroe is one of the fastest QBs in recent times. Containing the pass is a difficult task, any slip can turn into a big advance and Emmanwori has the speed to do it.
Ball Skills/Processing
He understands the concept of routes well and cuts the passing lane to make the interception.
He is so good at contested interceptions that he could even be tested on offense. (Contains irony)
Emmanwori reacts quickly to the play action, turning and looking for a target to defend (ROBOT Tech), he still has time to look at the QB, make the interception. The play ends in a TD thanks to his athletic ability.
This type of play here would be a TD in the NFL. The delay he takes and has to react would be enough for a QB to connect the pass.
STRENGTHS:
– Size/weight/length for the position.
– Athletic ability;
– Versatility;
– Ball skills/Playmaker;
– Many games as a starter;
WEAKNESSES:
– Lack of range as a centerfielder;
– Inconsistency as a tackler;
– Penalties;
Final Thoughts
Pick No. 18 may be too high for Emmanwori, but if Seattle really wants him they will have to take advantage of this opportunity, since he will not be available at 50. The Seahawks seem satisfied with Julian Love, but they need someone to play alongside him. Rayshawn Jenkins was cut, Coby Bryant had a very good end to the season but is entering the final year of his contract.
As mentioned in a thread above, he would not be Kyle Hamilton, but his versatility could be a great asset for Mike Macdonald. He can also use their formations with three safeties, increasing the possibilities of doing different things from the same group.