SEA 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.
Injury Status
Missed 3 games in 2025 with an injury; otherwise healthy. Entering 2026 in good standing.
Recent News
- 2026-07-16 — ESPN safety survey ranks Nick Emmanwori #6 in NFL as second-year player with elite physical upside (Former South Carolina All-American ranked among NFL's best)
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?