South Carolina’s standout safety, Nick Emmanwori, put on a historic display at the 2025 NFL Combine, solidifying his status as one of the most elite prospects in this year’s draft class. His performance was nothing short of remarkable, showcasing an impressive blend of size, speed, and athleticism that left scouts and analysts buzzing. The 6’3″, 220-pound defensive back had already built a strong reputation throughout his college career, and his showing in Indianapolis only reinforced his case as a top-tier NFL prospect.
A Promising College Career
Emmanwori’s dominance was apparent long before he arrived at the NFL Combine. As a star safety for the South Carolina Gamecocks, he consistently demonstrated his ability to impact games in multiple ways. His senior season was particularly noteworthy, as he racked up 88 tackles, 4 interceptions, and an NCAA-leading 2 interception returns for touchdowns. His versatility and playmaking ability earned him a spot on Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freaks List,” which highlights college football’s most physically gifted athletes.
What made Emmanwori such an intriguing prospect was his rare combination of size and speed. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 220 pounds, he possessed the frame of a linebacker with the agility and quickness of a defensive back. His athleticism made him a valuable asset in the SEC, where he consistently faced top-tier competition.
Confidence Backed by Performance
Leading up to the NFL Combine, Emmanwori was brimming with confidence. In an interview just a day before taking the field in Indianapolis, he made a bold declaration about his expectations for the event.
“I do think I am one of the fastest. Top three, maybe top five for sure,” Emmanwori told reporters, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN. “I don’t think you’ve ever seen a safety like me. Well, there are a lot of dudes that came through this league, but a safety like me hasn’t come through this league for a long time. My size, my speed, my ability.”
Such statements might have seemed like mere bravado, but Emmanwori backed up every word with a jaw-dropping performance.
A Record-Setting Combine Performance
On the field at Lucas Oil Stadium, Emmanwori delivered a performance for the ages. His blazing 40-yard dash time immediately turned heads, but that was just the beginning. He recorded elite numbers across multiple drills, earning an unprecedented 10.0 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) from Kent Lee Platte of RAS Football. This perfect rating made him the highest-graded strong safety prospect ever evaluated using the RAS system, a metric that has assessed over 1,000 safety prospects since 1987.
Platte highlighted Emmanwori’s historic performance on social media, stating:
“Nick Emmanwori is a SS prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 10.00 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 1079 SS from 1987 to 2025.”
The RAS score takes into account various athletic measurements, including speed, agility, and explosiveness, and Emmanwori’s numbers across the board were nothing short of elite. His record-setting Combine showing further cemented his status as one of the premier defensive prospects in this year’s draft.
A Rising Draft Stock
Prior to the Combine, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. projected Emmanwori as a late first-round pick, mocking him to the Baltimore Ravens at No. 27 overall. The Ravens, who already have a dynamic safety in Kyle Hamilton, would have formed one of the most formidable duos in the league with the addition of Emmanwori.
However, given his outstanding Combine results, it’s now entirely possible that Emmanwori won’t be available when the Ravens pick. His stock is expected to rise significantly, and teams selecting earlier in the first round may now have him firmly on their radar.
The NFL is always looking for game-changing defensive backs who can cover ground, make plays in coverage, and deliver big hits in run support. Emmanwori checks all those boxes, making him one of the most intriguing safety prospects to emerge in years.
What Sets Emmanwori Apart?
Several key attributes make Emmanwori a special talent:
- Elite Athleticism – His Combine performance confirmed what many already suspected—he possesses rare physical gifts that few safeties can match. His speed and explosiveness allow him to cover large areas of the field quickly, making him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
- Size and Physicality – Standing at 6’3″, 220 pounds, Emmanwori has the build to play multiple roles in an NFL defense. He can serve as a traditional deep safety, come down into the box to support the run, or even match up against tight ends in coverage.
- Playmaking Ability – His four interceptions and two pick-sixes in his senior year demonstrate his instincts and ability to turn defense into offense. Coaches and scouts love defensive backs who can not only take the ball away but also change games with their playmaking skills.
- Confidence and Mentality – Emmanwori isn’t just physically gifted; he carries himself with the kind of confidence that great players often have. His belief in his abilities is evident, and he has consistently backed up his words with production on the field.
NFL Outlook and Potential Fits
With the draft approaching, the question now is where Emmanwori will land. Teams in need of a dynamic, versatile safety will undoubtedly have him high on their draft boards. Some potential fits include:
- Chicago Bears (No. 9 overall) – The Bears have been rebuilding their defense and could use a playmaking safety to pair with their young core.
- Atlanta Falcons (No. 13 overall) – The Falcons need help in their secondary, and Emmanwori’s athleticism would be a perfect fit in their defensive scheme.
- Philadelphia Eagles (No. 22 overall) – With an already strong roster, the Eagles could add Emmanwori as a game-changing piece in their secondary.
Wherever he lands, one thing is clear: Nick Emmanwori has established himself as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. His record-setting Combine performance has only strengthened his case, and teams looking for a difference-making safety will be hard-pressed to find a more impressive option.
As draft day approaches, the buzz around Emmanwori will only continue to grow. If his college production and Combine showing are any indication, he has the potential to be a game-changer at the next level. The NFL has seen its fair share of elite safeties over the years, but as Emmanwori himself stated, it’s been a long time since a safety like him has entered the league.
