Nick Emmanwori S South Carolina | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Nick Emmanwori S South Carolina
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Man-Zone Slot/Nickel Safety | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 01/13/2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.38 seconds (96%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 20.11 DOB: 02/07/2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Man-Zone Slot/Nickel Safety | |
| Last Updated: 01/13/2025 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.38 seconds (96%*) | |
| Age: 20.11 DOB: 02/07/2004 | |
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| Overall Rating: | 88.5 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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81% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 51.3 | |
| Tackling: |
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100% |
| Run Defense: |
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86% |
| Coverage: |
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96% |
| Zone: |
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94% |
| Man/Press: |
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90% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
1st - Mid
Overall Rank:
#16
Position rank:
#4
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| College Games: 36 College Snaps: 2261 | ||
ESPN RATING: 78/100
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247 RATING: 88/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.8 (95%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Lewis Cine - Georgia |
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64% |
| Jaquan Brisker - Penn State |
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61% |
| Trevon Moehrig - TCU |
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54% |
Draft Profile: Bio
A hometown hero turned defensive anchor, Nick Emmanwori's journey from Irmo High School to South Carolina stardom reads like a script straight out of Hollywood. The 6'4", 227-pound safety stepped onto campus as a three-star recruit and immediately claimed his spot in the starting lineup, never looking back after an injury thrust him into action during the first defensive series of his collegiate career. Born February 7, 2004, Emmanwori's rapid ascension from local standout to All-American safety speaks volumes about his natural ability and fierce work ethic.What started as an emergency substitution in 2022 evolved into one of the most impressive three-year runs by a defensive back in Gamecock history. Emmanwori racked up 244 tackles and six interceptions across 37 games, with 36 starts to his name. His junior campaign in 2024 proved 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 flair.
The former Yellow Jacket earned his stripes the old-fashioned way, going from a player who primarily manned the middle linebacker spot in high school (posting a monster 232-tackle senior season) to a versatile defensive weapon for South Carolina. His academic excellence matched his on-field performance, making the SEC Academic Honor Roll and serving as a Rex Enright Team Captain in 2024, capping off a career that saw him transform from an unheralded recruit into a premier defensive prospect.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Freakish size-speed combo jumps off the film - his 4.38 speed in a linebacker-sized frame creates serious matchup problems for offensive coordinators
- Nasty striker in run support who plays downhill with bad intentions, consistently punishing ball carriers who dare enter his territory
- Elite tackle radius and closing burst make him a heat-seeking missile against the run - rare missed tackles speak to his exceptional form and finishing ability
- Shows natural route recognition skills in man coverage, particularly when matching up with tight ends where his length becomes a serious weapon
- Quick mental processor who diagnoses screen plays and misdirection with veteran savvy, often blowing up plays before they develop
- Brings that dog mentality to the field - plays with controlled aggression and sets a physical tone that energizes the entire defense
- Exceptional ball skills for a big safety, displaying natural hands and body control when attacking the catch point
- Special teams demon waiting to happen - size, speed, and tackling ability project him as an immediate four-phase contributor
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Can get overly aggressive attacking downhill, occasionally taking himself out of plays by committing too early to his initial read
- High-cut frame leads to some transition limitations when forced to flip hips and run with shiftier receivers in man coverage
- Sometimes relies too heavily on physical gifts, trying to overwhelm receivers at the catch point rather than playing with proper technique
- Needs refinement in zone coverage - can lose track of crossing routes while reading the quarterback's eyes
- Despite impressive straight-line speed, change of direction ability shows some stiffness that could be exposed by elite NFL route runners
Scouting Report: Summary
Emmanwori will likely be an immediate impact player at the next level, particularly for defensive coordinators creative enough to maximize his unique skill set. His rare blend of size and speed screams modern NFL safety, capable of matching up with tight ends, supporting the run, and roaming the deep middle. Think a more explosive version of Kam Chancellor with better man coverage skills.Any team running a heavy-quarters coverage scheme should have Emmanwori circled in red on their draft board. His ability to play in the box, handle man coverage responsibilities, and deliver bone-crushing hits makes him an ideal fit for defenses that ask their safeties to wear multiple hats. While he'll need some technical refinement in zone coverage, his athletic traits and football intelligence suggest a high ceiling as he develops.
The NFL is trending toward hybrid defenders who can counter modern offensive attacks, and Emmanwori fits that mold perfectly. His combination of size, speed, and physicality should make him an early contributor, with Pro Bowl potential if he lands with a defensive staff willing to move him around the formation.
Written By:
Wyatt Brooks (SEC)
How other scouting services rate Nick Emmanwori (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
35.7
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
8.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.