South Carolina All-American safety Nick Emmanwori has been one of the NFL Draft’s biggest risers this offseason. The Gamecock standout had a great college career but has an unparalleled combination of size and athleticism that indicates he has even more potential as a player at the next level.
This week, Pro Football Focus (PFF) released their updated first-round NFL Draft mock, and Emmanwori was a big mover. Ranked outside of first-round range in the outlet’s most recent Big Board, PFF now considers the Irmo native a match with the Atlanta Falcons at pick No. 15 in this year’s draft.
Said Dalton Wasserman, “Some team in the first round is going to fall in love with Emmanwori’s athletic talent. In this scenario, it’s the Falcons, who also have needs at edge defender and cornerback. Emmanwori’s supersized frame and consistency in run defense could be a nice complement to Jessie Bates III’s elite coverage ability.”
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During his South Carolina football career, Emmanwori became one of the best ever to wear garnet and black. He was a Freshman All-American in 2022 before ascending to the ranks of All-American in 2024. He was among the team’s best tacklers for three years, and as a junior, he developed into an elite player on the back end of the defense, too.
Expected by most other outlets to be a first-rounder, as well, Emmanwori would be South Carolina’s first safety picked so high since Rick Sanford in 1979. He is also one of a long list of Gamecocks hoping to hear their names called later this month.
The program likely will set a new record for players selected in a single draft (seven in both 2009 and 2013). Fellow defenders TJ Sanders, Demetrius Knight, Kyle Kennard, and O’Donnell Fortune all should be drafted in the top 200 picks. Running back Rocket Sanders and defensive lineman Tonka Hemingway have earned inclusion in most mock drafts, as well. Others like tight end Josh Simon, linebacker Debo Williams, punter Kai Kroeger, wide receiver Dalevon Campbell, offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins, defensive tackle DeAndre Jules, linebacker Bam Martin-Scott, and defensive tackle Boogie Huntley each have a chance to come off the board late, too.
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Tying the USC record of seven draftees seems to be a foregone conclusion. Seeing eight to ten players selected feels pretty realistic, making the 2025 NFL Draft a historic one for the Gamecocks.
This year’s NFL Draft will take place from April 24th until April 26th in Green Bay, Wisconsin. NFL Network, ABC, and ESPN family of networks will broadcast the event. The ESPN app and NFL.com also will make it available for streaming.
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