Former South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori is projected as the first safety to be selected in the latest NFL mock draft.
After the conclusion of the Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl, where college football players from across the nation showcased their skills to NFL teams, draft analysts like ESPN’s Matt Miller often update their mock drafts.
Emmanwori, who stood out at both events, is considered one of the top safeties in this year’s class, though many regard Georgia’s Malaki Starks as the top player at his position. However, Miller’s latest mock draft has Emmanwori as the first safety off the board, predicting he’ll be picked 30th overall by the Buffalo Bills in the first round.
Miller explained the pick by noting that while the Bills will be focused on adding more weapons for quarterback Josh Allen, they also need to address an underperforming secondary. Emmanwori’s combination of size, speed, and range makes him an intriguing prospect.
Nick Emmanwori
Standing at 6-foot-3 and 227 pounds, he excels as a deep safety, with the power to effectively challenge running backs and mobile quarterbacks. He registered four interceptions, including a pick-six, and allowed a QBR of just 28.6 last season.
The NFL draft is still a few months away, and the upcoming combine will offer Emmanwori one last chance to increase his draft stock. However, his contributions to the Gamecocks’ defense have already drawn attention from scouts and analysts alike. As the draft approaches, Emmanwori’s performance at both the Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl suggests he’s making a strong case to be one of the first defensive backs selected.
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