With the conclusion of the NFL season, the focus now shifts toward the highly anticipated NFL Draft. As teams begin to evaluate their needs for the upcoming season, all eyes turn to the incoming prospects who are set to make their mark at the next level. A crucial part of this process is the NFL Scouting Combine, where teams will get an up-close look at the athleticism, skill, and potential of the top college football players preparing to enter the league.
Among the many intriguing prospects in this year’s draft class, South Carolina star safety Nick Emmanwori stands out as one of the biggest sleepers. While safeties traditionally don’t command high draft positions, Emmanwori possesses a rare blend of physical traits and on-field production that could see him rapidly climb draft boards as the evaluation process unfolds.
Every year, Bruce Feldman of The Athletic compiles his well-known “Freaks List,” highlighting the most physically gifted athletes in college football. These are players who exhibit elite-level speed, strength, and explosiveness—traits that often translate well to the professional level. Naturally, many of the athletes featured on this list receive invitations to the NFL Combine, where they showcase their abilities in front of scouts, coaches, and general managers. This year, Emmanwori is one of the names at the top of Feldman’s watch list, making him a player to keep a close eye on in Indianapolis.
“The former three-star recruit was lights-out again last season, earning first-team All-America honors after leading the team with 88 tackles, to go with four interceptions and three tackles for loss,” Feldman wrote. “He turned 21 this month. At 6 feet 3 inches and 220 pounds, he ran, I’m told, a 4.35 in the 40 last week.”
At that size, running a 4.35-second 40-yard dash is nothing short of remarkable. That level of speed, combined with his physicality and instincts, makes Emmanwori a unique prospect. His playing style suggests that he could be an ideal fit for an aggressive, downhill defense—teams like the Baltimore Ravens or the Seattle Seahawks, which emphasize physicality and versatility in their defensive schemes.
While Emmanwori’s straight-line speed is elite, one of the concerns surrounding his game is his lateral quickness. In open space, he can sometimes struggle in coverage, particularly against smaller, shifty receivers. However, his size and strength make him an excellent matchup against bigger-bodied pass catchers, such as tight ends and bigger slot receivers. His ability to read plays and make instinctive decisions allows him to thrive in underneath zone coverages, where he can use his frame and length to disrupt passing lanes.
Perhaps his biggest strength lies in his ability to play against the run. Emmanwori’s size and physicality essentially allow him to function as an extra linebacker when rolled down into the box. This makes him an asset for teams looking to defend against power-running offenses, as he can provide additional support at the line of scrimmage while still possessing the speed to track down ball carriers on the perimeter. His combination of physicality and range allows him to contain runs and make plays all over the field.
In today’s NFL, versatility is more valuable than ever, and Emmanwori offers just that. His skill set enables defenses to remain in nickel packages, even when facing heavier personnel groups. This flexibility is crucial for defensive coordinators looking to counter modern offenses that frequently use hybrid formations and athletic tight ends to create mismatches. By having a player like Emmanwori, teams can adjust on the fly without having to constantly substitute personnel.
With the draft process still unfolding, Emmanwori remains an intriguing prospect who could sneak into the first round by the time April arrives. His elite athleticism, ability to defend both the run and pass, and physical traits make him a highly valuable player in the right system. While safeties often don’t receive the same level of attention as other positions, Emmanwori’s rare skill set could make him one of the biggest surprises of the draft.
As the NFL Combine approaches, all eyes will be on Emmanwori to see if he can solidify his status as one of the fastest-rising prospects in this year’s class. If he impresses in Indianapolis, expect his name to be mentioned frequently in discussions about potential late first-round selections.
South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori makes insane comment after being named Bruce Feldman’s top ‘freak’ at NFL Combine
