South Carolina All-American Nick Emmanwori snubbed from NFL Draft first round
South Carolina standout defensive back Nick Emmanwori was not a first-round pick on Thursday night. Most mock drafts and big boards viewed the talented safety as a sure-fire top-32 selection. However, in a surprise to many, that’s not how the action played out in Green Bay.
Instead, 32 picks came and went, including one for fellow All-SEC safety Malaki Starks from the Georgia Bulldogs. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell never called Nick Emmanwori’s name, though. He should be one of the top picks of the second round on Friday, but that doesn’t erase the snub.
Several teams (specifically ones like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, and Buffalo Bills) elected to look past their need at safety to select players at other positions. In the process, they passed on Emmanwori.
While much of the attention focused on Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders slipping to the second round, Emmanwori has an argument as the best player available, too.
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Whoever picks the All-American in the second round will get a player who brings a lot to the table. Emmanwori showcased elite athleticism at the NFL Combine less than two months ago, and his on-field production rivaled any safety in this year’s draft. He’s also a ruthless competitor and a hard-working player. His reliable tackling and playmaking ability with the ball in the air will translate to any defense. Plus, his elite size (6-3, 220 pounds) and speed (4.38 in the 40-yard dash) can’t be taught.
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As things stand now (trades could change things), the first ten picks of the second round belong to the Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns (again), Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears (again), and New York Jets. Of those teams, the Titans and Raiders appear to have the biggest need at the safety position.
Despite being overlooked, Emmanwori likely will become the first Shane Beamer-recruited high school signee from the University of South Carolina to earn an NFL Draft selection. DJ Swearinger was the last garnet and black-clad safety taken in the draft’s first two rounds.
Fellow Gamecock defenders TJ Sanders, Demetrius Knight, and Kyle Kennard also could hear their names called during the second day of the draft. Fans can tune in to watch rounds two and three on ABC, NFL Network, and the ESPN family of networks. The ESPN app and NFL.com will make the draft available via streaming, too. Coverage begins at 7:00 p.m.
