The 2025 NFL Draft is just over one week away from getting underway and multiple South Carolina players are set to hear their names called. In fact, the Gamecocks could see a handful of players come off the board in the first three rounds.
In their latest three-round mock draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper and Field Yates have four Gamecocks being selected in the first three rounds. In the first round, Yates has safety Nick Emmanwori being selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the No. 19 overall pick. Here’s what was said about Emmanwori in the article.
“Tampa Bay is looking for help almost everywhere on defense, but Antoine Winfield Jr. really needs an impact player next to him at safety. Adding Emmanwori would form an incredibly physical duo on the back end. Emmanwori ran a 4.38 in the 40 at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, and he had four interceptions last season — two of which were returned for touchdowns.”
In the third round, Yates has defensive tackle T.J. Sanders projected to be drafted by the Green Bay Packers with the No. 87 overall pick.
“Green Bay can continue to add to its pass-rush presence — this time on the interior — with Sanders, who had 8.5 sacks over the past two seasons.”
Just a few picks later, Yates has linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. being picked by the Baltimore Ravens at No. 91 overall.
“Knight makes plays on the ball, with three forced fumbles, two sacks and a pick in his one season at South Carolina (he transferred from Charlotte after a few years at Georgia Tech). I like him next to Roquan Smith.”
Just 10 picks later, EDGE Kyle Kennard was projected to be selected at No. 101 overall by the Los Angeles Rams.
“Kennard plays with a great motor, and he’s long and powerful. He had 11.5 sacks in 2024. Kennard could be yet another Day 2 value for the Rams.”
Since the NFL Draft shifted to seven rounds in 1994, the most players South Carolina has had selected in a year is seven, which happened in 2009 and 2013. The first round selections will be announced at 8 p.m. on April 24 while round 2-3 will take place on April 25. The 4-7 rounds will be announced on April 26.
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