South Carolina All-American mocked in NFL Draft first round by Mel Kiper
With the college football season officially over and the NFL season trending in that direction, much of the conversation around the sport over the next few months will be on the NFL Draft. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr. released his updated NFL Draft mock, and a South Carolina standout earned a 1st round projection.
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According to Kiper, All-American safety Nick Emmanwori will hear his name called in the opening round of the NFL Draft. In his latest mock, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are taking the Columbia-area native with the 19th overall pick. (For what it’s worth, Kiper also mentions Emmanwori as a possible pick by the Indianapolis Colts at No. 14.)
If Emmanwori does go to Tampa, he would join a Bucs team that ranked 30th (out of 32 NFL teams) in passing yards allowed this fall. Only three teams finished the year with fewer interceptions than the Buccaneers’ seven. Even with those defensive struggles, Tampa Bay made the NFC Playoffs.
Emmanwori’s well-rounded game and elite athleticism make him an ideal pick for many teams, including the Bucs. His ability to play over-the-top coverage, operate in the box against the run, and even hold his own in the slot would give any team some coveted versatility with him in the defensive lineup. He’s also a playmaker if he gets the ball in his hands. This season, he had two pick-sixes and had another called back due to an unrelated penalty.
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Emmanwori has become a trendy riser in NFL Draft projections. Once he has a chance to show off his physical makeup at the combine in about a month, that trend likely will continue. Emmanwori possesses a unique combination of size, speed, coverage instincts, and tackling ability. He also has the profile to be a difference-maker on special teams coverage units. In short, he is the type of player who makes NFL scouts drool over their clipboards.
Several other projections have placed Emmanwori among first-round NFL Draft picks. Still, though, he has received more second round grades, and some even predict he will go in the third round. He’s a virtual lock to come off the board in the top 100. If things go his way over the next few months, Kiper’s first round mock could prove to be prophetic.
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During his South Carolina football career, Nick Emmanwori was one of the best safeties in the country. He followed a Freshman All-American campaign in 2022 with another strong year in 2023. However, his 2024 season was his best as he led the Gamecocks in tackles and tied for the team lead in interceptions during the regular season en route to multiple All-American selections.
