Press Enter to send · Shift+Enter for a new line
Nick Emmanwori
S/LB · SEA

Nick Emmanwori

Position S/LB
Team SEA
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Nick Emmanwori

NFL player. Position: S/LB (Safety/Hybrid Linebacker). Team: SEA.

Quick Facts

  • Position: Safety/hybrid linebacker (versatile defender)
  • Team: SEA (Seattle Seahawks)
  • College: South Carolina Gamecocks (All-American, consensus All-SEC first-team 2024)
  • Draft: 2025 NFL Draft (rookie in 2025 season)
  • 2025 stats: 74 tackles, 7 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 11 passes defended, 1 interception in ~14 games

2026 Outlook

ESPN's 2026 NFL positional survey ranked Emmanwori as the #6 safety in the league based on responses from executives, coaches, and scouts. In his rookie 2025 season, he was a disruptor at the line of scrimmage for Seattle's championship defense, finishing second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting behind Carson Schwesinger (LB). Emmanwori recorded 2.5 sacks and a pass breakup rate of 2.1% (second highest among safeties), and was the only NFL player with at least 15 pressures and 10 pass breakups combined through the playoffs. He appeared on nearly 80% of ESPN survey ballots—a consensus pick that reflects exceptional versatility. As a rising second-year player heading into 2026, Emmanwori carries upside from his "physical measurables" and "major upside" per surveyed coordinators, though some executives noted he has a one-note weakpoint in backward coverage relative to elite safeties. (per Former South Carolina All-American ranked among NFL's best)

Role / Depth Chart

Third safety/hybrid linebacker; used across multiple alignments—safety, nickel, linebacker, EDGE (edge rusher), corner. Fits Seattle's scheme as a versatile disruptor near the line.

All-Pro candidate (Aug 28): CBS Sports projected Emmanwori as a leading first-time All-Pro candidate at safety for 2026. The analysis notes Emmanwori played an "impactful role on a Super Bowl-winning defense" and hopes he can play a full 16-game season with a boosted resume (2025 was shortened by injury recovery). At 6-foot-3, Emmanwori uses his length to muddy pass windows and cover ground effectively. CBS notes that 10 of 13 All-Pro safeties over the past five years were top-100 overall draft picks. While Emmanwori hasn't been formally drafted yet into the analysis, his second-year trajectory and elite 2025 impact suggest real All-Pro upside if he stays healthy in 2026. The elite chaos created by new DC Mike Macdonald's scheme should create additional turnover opportunities for Emmanwori and the back end (per Predicting NFL All-Pros at every defensive position: Young Browns, Seahawks stars among those to watch in 2026 - CBS Sports).

Injury Status

Emmanuel suffered recurring right ankle injuries in his 2025 rookie season: a high sprain early in the season (Week 1, missed 3 games) and a low ankle sprain in practice just before Super Bowl LX (played through it as Seattle won the championship). Heading into 2026 training camp, the Seahawks and Emmanwori determined he needed arthroscopic ankle surgery to address the lingering issues. He was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list on July 21, 2026. Per ESPN reporting, Emmanwori is expected to be ready by Week 1 of the 2026 season despite missing training camp. He will miss some time in camp while recovering from the procedure, but the surgery was precautionary to prevent ongoing soreness as he ramped up for the season. (per Seahawks' Nick Emmanwori has ankle surgery, expected to play W1).

Recent News

Open Questions

  • Can Emmanwori improve his backward coverage to overcome the "one-trick pony" criticism from some evaluators?
  • Will his hybrid role evolve, or will he settle into a specialized third-safety/nickel designation in his second year?

Sources

What the Experts Are Saying

Underdog Fantasy Football - Josh & HaydenInsider NFL Mock Draft (Giants & Rams HUGE Trades)