South Carolina puts three in PFF's latest three-round mock NFL Draft
This week, Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema released his updated three-round mock NFL Draft. Three South Carolina stars—all from the defensive side of the ball—found themselves in the latest projection. Defensive lineman TJ Sanders, safety Nick Emmanwori, and EDGE Kyle Kennard are all in PFF’s top 70.
[GamecockCentral: Subscribe for $1 for 7 days]
In Sikkema’s mock, TJ Sanders is off the board just outside of the 1st round. According to PFF, the athletic defensive tackle could go 37th overall (round 2, pick 5) to the Chicago Bears. Being picked by the Bears, Sanders would be reunited with former Gamecock defensive tackle partner Zacch Pickens. Chicago runs a 4-3 defense, but Sanders also could play defensive end in a different team’s 3-4 scheme. He is an All-SEC candidate and played much better than his overall numbers might indicate.
The next Gamecock standout listed in Sikkema’s mock draft was Nick Emmanwori. He predicts a No. 52 overall (round 2, pick 20) Seattle Seahawks selection. Former Gamecock linebacker Ernest Jones also plays for the Seahawks but will be a free agent this offseason. A surefire All-American this season, Emmanwori has improved his draft stock dramatically through better coverage skills on the back end complimenting his elite tackling. Interestingly, Sikkema had Emmanwori listed as a S/LB. The Irmo native only played safety and nickel in garnet and black but is near linebacker size.
While Sanders and Emmanwori were home-grown South Carolina football high school signees, the third USC star in PFF’s projection was a transfer portal addition who just joined the program this offseason. Sikkema lists Kyle Kennard as the No. 69 (round 3, pick 5) selection in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers already have several Gamecocks signed to multi-year contracts, including all-time greats like Jadeveon Clowney, Jaycee Horn, Xavier Legette, and DJ Wonnum. Like Emmanwori, Kennard will be an All-American after a stellar 2024 campaign.
Top 10
- 1
LaNorris Sellers
South Carolina QB signs NIL deal to return
- 2New
Justice Haynes
Alabama transfer RB commits
- 3
National Championship odds
Updated odds are in
- 4Trending
Urban Meyer
Coach alarmed by UT fan turnout at OSU
- 5Hot
CFP home games
Steve Spurrier calls for change
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
[On3 App: Get South Carolina push notifications from GamecockCentral]
All three of Sanders, Emmanwori, and Kennard have earned draft grades as high as the 1st round. Based on recent projections, though, three top-32 picks seems unlikely. However, the NFL Draft’s top-100 picks will not pass without the Gamecock trio coming off the board.
South Carolina also could see several other players selected in the spring. Other Gamecocks like Rocket Sanders, Josh Simon, Torricelli Simpkins, Tonka Hemingway, Demetrius Knight, O’Donnell Fortune, Bam Martin-Scott, Debo Williams, and DeAndre Jules have been included on recent NFL Draft big boards. USC should see more than five players taken in the draft for the first time since 2013.
The 2025 NFL Draft will take place from April 25-27.
