News Summary
The Seattle Seahawks have selected safety Nick Emmanwori from South Carolina with the 35th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Emmanwori, known for his impressive athleticism showcased during the NFL Combine, brings significant potential as a key defensive player. After a stellar college career where he earned All-SEC honors, he aims to help the Seahawks revive their defensive legacy. This marks a pivotal moment for both Emmanwori and the Seahawks as they look to strengthen their roster.
Seattle, WA – Nick Emmanwori, a standout safety from South Carolina, was selected 35th overall by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Seahawks made a strategic move by trading their picks 52 and 82 to the Tennessee Titans to secure Emmanwori, signaling their belief in his potential as a key defensive asset.
Emmanwori first caught national attention during the NFL Combine, where he topped all safeties with a remarkable prospect grade of 6.41 and an overall score of 85. His physical prowess was on full display as he clocked a blistering 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash, achieved a stellar 43-inch vertical leap, and recorded an impressive 11-foot, 6-inch broad jump. These benchmarks placed him among the elite for his position and demonstrated his fitness and agility.
Born on February 7, 2004, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Emmanwori moved to Irmo, South Carolina, at the age of 7. He attended Irmo High School, where he earned a 3-star recruiting grade as a senior. He ultimately committed to South Carolina over offers from other institutions, including Georgia Southern and UNC Charlotte. Emmanwori comes from a large family of five brothers, one of whom, Okachi, played cornerback at Wofford College. Their upbringing was primarily overseen by their mother, Justina Emmanwori, as little is known about their father.
Coaches at South Carolina initially explored the possibility of converting Emmanwori to a linebacker position but ultimately settled on utilizing him as a safety. He made an immediate impact in his freshman season, tallying 11 tackles in his first start against Arkansas and later notching 14 tackles against Georgia. By the end of the 2022 season, he led the team with 78 tackles and earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team.
Emmanwori’s skills continued to shine through in subsequent seasons. By 2024, he achieved first-team All-SEC honors and was recognized as a first-team Associated Press All-American. That season, he recorded 88 tackles, four interceptions (two of which he returned for touchdowns), and three tackles for loss. His performance earned him numerous accolades, including the Joe Morrison MVP Defense and the title of Safety of the Year.
Following the draft, Emmanwori expressed enthusiasm about joining the Seahawks. He has already drawn comparisons to former Seahawk Kam Chancellor, a player he greatly admires due to their shared position and common connection through their position coach, Torrian Gray. Emmanwori’s strong pre-draft visit with the Seahawks further solidified his anticipation of being selected by the team.
Analysts, while praising Emmanwori’s athleticism and potential, have noted he needs to improve his tackling consistency and coverage skills. This selection marks a significant milestone, as Emmanwori becomes the first safety from South Carolina to be chosen in the draft’s first two rounds since DJ Swearinger in 2013. He aims to assist the Seahawks in reviving the storied “Legion of Boom” era, known for its formidable defense.
In addition, Emmanwori is also the first player recruited by Shane Beamer at South Carolina to be drafted, highlighting an important moment in the program’s history as he transitions to the professional level. With his combination of size, speed, and training, Emmanwori is poised to make a significant impact in the NFL.
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Additional Resources
- Seattle Seahawks Official Site
- Sports Illustrated
- Seattle Times
- Cincinnati.com
- On3 Sports
- Wikipedia: Nick Emmanwori
- Google Search: Nick Emmanwori
- Google Scholar: Nick Emmanwori
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nick Emmanwori
- Google News: Nick Emmanwori
