Nick Emmanwori Thriving In Seahawks' Defense

Seattle Seahawks rookie safety Nick Emmanwori was fantastic in Sunday's blowout 44-22 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10. Emmanwori put together a complete game. He's developing into the defensive weapon Mike Macdonald thought he'd be.

Emmanwori recorded a team-high nine tackles. The Seahawks' defense scored two touchdowns and was downright dominant. Emmanwori also chipped in with his first career sack, an additional quarterback hit, and four pass breakups.

This first Emmanwori pass breakup occurred against Cardinals superstar tight end Trey McBride in the end zone. On his second, the athletic safety forces another incompletion to McBride near the sidelines. PBU No. 3 saw Emmanwori close in on Michael Wilson and knock the football away. His fourth and final PBU sees him matching Cardinals running back Zonovan Knight stride for stride. 

Emmanwori became the fourth NFL player in history and the first rookie to record nine tackles, four pass breakups, and a half-sack in a game, per Brian Nemhauser. The three previous defenders to achieve those numbers together were Joe Schobert (2019), Julian Peterson (2003), and Dewayne Washington (2001). Emmanwori made history on Sunday.

Emmanwori's half-sack was a gorgeous rep. He attacked the pocket on a blitz and evaded Cardinals left guard Evan Brown, who was attempting to reach Emmanwori, but was beaten by a beautiful inside move. Emmanwori met DeMarcus Lawrence in the backfield to sack Jacoby Brissett.

Macdonald has adjusted his defense to include Emmanwori. Previously, superstar cornerback Devon Witherspoon played the nickel as a versatile weapon. With Emmanwori now playing the nickel as a do-it-all playmaker, Witherspoon has moved outside to pair with Riq Woolen as the boundary corners, with Josh Jobe being downgraded to a reserve role.

Seahawks general manager John Schneider made an aggressive trade-up during the 2025 NFL Draft, from No. 53 to No. 35 to draft Emmanwori. That game is starting to play off. The former South Carolina standoff is an ideal scheme fit in Macdonald's aggressive defense.

Emmanwori was immediately dominant at training camp, but suffered a minor injury during the first preseason game. Emmanwori then injured his ankle in Week 1 versus the San Francisco 49ers and was sidelined for roughly a month. He's back in the lineup and has been especially taking full advantage of his opportunity in recent weeks.

Emmanwori has registered 15 tackles in the Seahawks' last two games combined. He now has four pass breakups and his first career half-sack to add to his defensive totals. Emmanwori is impacting Macdonald's complex defense in various ways from different alignments.

The Seahawks believed in Emmanwori, targeting his dynamic skill set via an aggressive draft-night trade. He's currently repaying the organization by flying around and making plays for Macdonald's defense. Expect Emmanwori to continue being a difference-maker for a dominant 7-2 Seahawks team that is leading the NFC West.