Arguably no player improved his pre-draft stock at this year's NFL Combine like South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori. The Greensboro native captured historical testing results by leaping a 43-inch vertical and 11-foot-6 broad jump, chart-topping results. After running a 4.38-second 40, Emmanwori became the fourth prospect since 2003 to run a sub-4.4 and top 40 inches in the vertical at 6-foot-3 or taller, according to ESPN Research.
Emmanwori, the No. 31 overall prospect in our latest Draft Network 100 update, was incredibly effective for the Gamecocks this past season. The athletic defensive back recorded 88 tackles, six pass breakups, four interceptions, and two touchdowns. Emmanwori played a versatile role in Shane Beamer’s competitive secondary.
Emmanwori has established himself as a first-round pick throughout the process. Athleticism and production are present. We've identified three potential team fits in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have completely rehauled their safety position in free agency. Budding superstar Jevon Holland cashed in elsewhere, signing a three-year contract worth $45.3 million with the New York Giants. His partner last year was Jordan Poyer, who remains available after performing poorly last season.
General manager Chris Grier responded by signing veteran safety Ashtyn Davis to a one-year deal. Davis isn't a long-term solution, and the depth chart currently has sophomore sixth-rounder Patrick McMorris as the starter opposite him. That's not going to satisfy defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. Safety is a massive need for the Dolphins entering the draft and Emmanwori could be a target for Grier at No. 13 overall.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores would appreciate a physical and athletic prospect like Emmanwori. Flores would be the perfect mentor to mold Emmanwori's raw abilities into tangible production. The Vikings have also undergone a ton of happenings at the safety position this offseason.
Top safety Cam Bynum signed a four-year, $60 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah reworked Harrison Smith's contract, keeping him on the roster for 2024, but an eventual successor will eventually be required for the 14-year veteran. Theo Jackson also signed a contract extension this summer, but the Vikings lack depth and long-term solutions. Emmanwori would address a need in Minnesota's defensive backfield.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Even after all of the big-price contracts handed out at safety this offseason, it's still Tampa Bay Buccaneers defender Antoine Winfield Jr. who is the highest-paid player at the position from both a total value ($84.1 million) and annual average ($21,025 million) perspective. Given those figures, it would be beneficial if the Buccaneers paired Winfield Jr. with a safety on an affordable rookie deal. They just created a need at the position too.
GM Jason Licht declined Jordan Whitehead's contract option, making him an unrestricted free agent. Are Christian Izien and Kaevon Merriweather ready to fill those shoes? Safety will be among Licht's must-achieves during April's festivities. Scheduled to pick at No. 19 overall, Emmanwori should be within striking distance.
