A closer look at the athletic profile of one of the 2025 NFL Draft's top safety prospects.
Nicholas “Nick” Emmanwori, a South Carolina safety, has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. Compared to Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn, Emmanwori is viewed as a high-ceiling talent with the athletic tools to develop into a top-tier NFL safety. At the NFL Combine, he ranked first among all safeties, scoring an overall score of 85 and a prospect grade of 6.41.
In 37 games with the South Carolina Gamecocks, Emmanwori recorded four tackles for loss, six interceptions, 11 pass deflections, and 244 tackles (166 solo). He earned SEC All-Freshman honors in 2022 for 85 tackles (62 solo) and one tackle for loss. He also led the SEC with two interceptions returned for touchdowns and recorded a career-high 88 tackles in his junior season, earning him First-Team All-American and All-SEC honors.
Nick Emmanwori is a safety with infinite upside.
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 19, 2025
He‘s an ATHLETE at 6’3, 227lbs and posted 4 picks, 3 PBUs, and 0 TDs allowed in 2024 to go with 73 tackles.
He’s capable of playing in the nickel, box, and single/double high. Unicorn alignment.
I have a 1st round grade on him. pic.twitter.com/zc9gfIaD6s
He is position-flexible too, able to shift between safety roles, cover the slot, or step into the box like a linebacker. Widely projected as a first-round pick, Emmanwori is mocked as high as #13 to the Dolphins by The Athletic and Draft Wire’s Jeff Ridson, while ESPN projects him for the Minnesota Vikings at #24 and CBS Sports for the Atlanta Falcons at #15.
Emmanwori stands at 6 ft 3 in, giving him above-average height for an NFL safety. This height provides excellent range in zone coverage and helps in high-pointing passes.
Emmanwori weighs 220 lbs, which is solid for a safety and aligns with NFL expectations for a strong safety. That size allows him to bring physicality in run support and tackle running backs in the box.
With 32½-inch arms, Emmanwori has excellent reach for tackling radius and disrupting passing lanes.
Nick Emmanwori is a SS prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 10.00 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 1235 SS from 1987 to 2025.
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 21, 2025
Had something neat come up, wanted to throw it out there into the world!https://t.co/yHeVMADBkp pic.twitter.com/1eUkk2oYxu
Emmanwori’s hand span is 9 inches, which is around average for a safety. While not elite, this size is functional, maintaining control in physical coverage situations.
Emmanwori clocked in at 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash; for a safety of his size, this is an elite time. It will allow him to cover deep zones, close gaps quickly, and chase down plays from sideline to sideline.
The best vertical jump (43") and broad jump (11'6") of ANYONE at this year's Combine.
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2025
South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori is one to watch 👀@Eman7Nick | @GamecockFB pic.twitter.com/158IrIOzkE
Emmanwori’s 1.49-second 10-yard split is excellent, showing great short-area burst, a vital attribute for safeties.
Emmanwori’s 2.57-second 20-yard split reflects that he is successfully able to maintain the burst he attains and could cover ground effectively.
Also Read: Emeka Egbuka NFL Draft Projection – Where Will Buckeyes WR Land?
Emmanwori had a 43.0-inch vertical jump; that’s an explosive plus for any position, but it matters a lot for safeties. As the last line of defense, he can disrupt high throws and defend the red zone.
43” vertical at 6’3”, 220 lbs 😱
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) February 28, 2025
Nick Emmanwori
Best vertical by anyone weighing at least 200 lbs in Combine history per @NextGenStats
🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/dJk7gvDobX
Emmanwori’s broad jump of 11 ft 6 in is an excellent, above-average mark, allowing him to make quick changes of direction or accelerate out of a break.
Emmanwori had 20 repetitions of bench press. He is ideal for the safety position because his upper body strength enhances his lower body strength and helps with physical contact.
Read More: Who Are Mason Graham’s Parents?
We use cookies for ads and to improve your experience. By continuing on the site, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Read more about it
NFL