Nick Emmanwori: NFL Draft | Injury | Stats | PFF | Jersey | Contract

Nick Emmanwori’s rise from being a lightly heralded recruit to a rising NFL safety has been one of the most talked-about journeys in recent college football history. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound defensive back from the University of South Carolina became a coveted NFL Draft prospect after outstanding collegiate production, elite athletic testing, and a knack for making game-changing plays. This comprehensive deep dive covers everything you need to know about Nick Emmanwori — from his 2025 NFL Draft selection to his Seattle Seahawks contract, injury history, stats, PFF grades and more.

Early Life and College Career

Nicholas Ovundah Eze Emmanwori was born on February 7, 2004, in Greensboro, North Carolina, before growing up in Irmo, South Carolina, where he played at Irmo High School. Initially recruited as a mid-level prospect with interest from limited Power Five programs, Emmanwori’s journey through the college ranks is one rooted in perseverance.

Upon arriving at the University of South Carolina, Emmanwori quickly made an impression. After an early injury opened the door for extended playing time, he locked down a starting role and delivered consistent production over three seasons. By his junior year in 2024, he had established himself as one of the country’s most impactful safeties, earning numerous accolades:

• First-Team All-American (2024)

• Unanimous First-Team All-SEC selection

• Semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award

• Joe Morrison Co-Defensive MVP for South Carolina

• Led team with 88 tackles and 4 interceptions in 2024

• Returned two interceptions for touchdowns in 2024

• Totaled 244 career tackles and six interceptions across 37 college games

At South Carolina, Emmanwori’s playmaking ability and leadership earned him not just statistical production, but real respect from teammates and opponents alike.

NFL Draft 2025 — Selection and Scouting

The Minnesota-born safety declared for the 2025 NFL Draft following his junior season. Analysts highlighted his size, speed and versatility — traits that made him one of the most intriguing defensive back prospects in the class. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Emmanwori put on a performance that turned heads:

• 40-yard dash: 4.38 seconds

• Broad jump: 11-foot-6 inches

• Vertical jump: 43 inches

• Exceptional 10-yard split — among the fastest for defenders his size

These measurements placed him among the most explosive athletes in the draft — especially considering his size — and helped vault him into early second-round consideration.

Draft Night — Pick 35

On April 25, 2025, the Seattle Seahawks selected Nick Emmanwori with the 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, making him the first South Carolina Gamecock taken that year. Seattle traded up to secure his services, believing his combination of run-support physicality and coverage ability would be valuable in their defense.

Injury History and NFL Impact

Like many physical defenders, Emmanwori’s game has included some bumps and bruises along the way. The most notable injury came early in his rookie season with the Seahawks — a high-ankle sprain suffered in Week 1 of the 2025 season. The injury occurred on just the fifth play of the game and was significant enough to potentially land him on injured reserve, sidelining him for multiple weeks while Seattle evaluated its options.

Despite that setback, Emmanwori’s return and subsequent play helped demonstrate his resilience and importance to the Seahawks defense.

NFL Stats & PFF Grades

Emmanwori’s rookie campaign showcased his versatility and impact on the field. According to NFL stat sources, in his 2025 season he logged:

• 81 tackles (56 solo)

• 11 pass deflections

• 1 interception

• 2.5 sacks

These numbers reflect a safety making plays across the field — from run support to coverage disruption.

PFF & Advanced Grading

While official PFF (Pro Football Focus) grades vary by week and source, many analytics platforms placed Emmanwori among the top performing rookie defenders during parts of the 2025 season. In certain weeks, PFF grades showed him as one of the highest-rated safeties — particularly after returning from injury — with standout coverage grades and impact plays.

Overall, his PFF influence was strong, especially considering he overcame early injury and still graded higher than many first-round defensive backs.

Jersey and Role with the Seahawks

Nick Emmanwori wears #3 for the Seattle Seahawks — a relatively uncommon number for a safety and one that quickly became associated with his ferocious style and energy on the field.

In Seattle’s defensive scheme, Emmanwori has been utilized as:

• Strong safety

• Box defender

• Coverage safety

• Occasional nickel match-up tool

His versatility gives head coach Mike Macdonald flexibility to deploy him in multiple roles — from deep coverage to near the line of scrimmage — which has been critical in modern NFL defenses that require hybrid athletes.

Contract — Rookie Deal Details

Perhaps one of the more intriguing aspects of Emmanwori’s transition to the NFL wasn’t just his play — but his contract.

Nick Emmanwori signed a fully guaranteed four-year rookie contract with the Seattle Seahawks worth approximately $11.6 million. Notably, this deal made him the first No. 35 overall pick in NFL history to receive full guarantees, a rarity among second-round selections.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

This type of contract — with 100% guarantees — is typically seen only with first-round picks. Emmanwori’s status reflects both his draft value and the shifting landscape of how second-round rookies negotiate guarantees.

Playing Style and NFL Fit

Emmanwori’s transition from college to the pros has been marked by his physical style and football IQ. Scouts often praised:

• Ball skills — demonstrated by interceptions and pick-sixes in college.

• Size + speed combo — rare athleticism at his frame.

• Physical tackling — impact in both run defense and coverage support.

• Versatility — ability to line up in multiple defensive roles.

While some analysts noted that his coverage instincts and pursuit angles needed refinement, his recovery speed and football instincts often compensated — making him a safety who can make impact plays and grow into a long-term starter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What round was Nick Emmanwori drafted in?

Nick Emmanwori was selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, taken 35th overall by the Seattle Seahawks.

2. What college did Emmanwori play for?

He played college football at the University of South Carolina, earning multiple All-American honors.

3. What is his NFL jersey number?

Nick Emmanwori wears #3 for the Seattle Seahawks.

4. Has Emmanwori suffered any significant injuries?

Yes — during the 2025 season he suffered a high-ankle sprain, which caused him to miss time while the Seahawks considered placing him on injured reserve.

5. What are his 2025 NFL stats?

In 2025, Emmanwori recorded 81 tackles, 11 pass deflections, 1 interception, and 2.5 sacks.

6. How much did Emmanwori’s rookie contract pay?

His rookie deal with Seattle is a four-year, ~$11.6 million fully guaranteed contract, one of the most unique for a second-round pick.

7. How does PFF grade Emmanwori?

While PFF grades vary weekly, he has posted notable grades among top rookie defenders, especially after returning from injury. In certain weeks he graded as one of the Seahawks’ highest-rated defensive players.

8. What makes Emmanwori stand out physically?

His combine performance was historic, featuring elite speed, jumping ability, and explosiveness unmatched by most safeties — particularly at his size.

Conclusion

Nick Emmanwori’s story — from Irmo High School to becoming a key piece of the Seahawks’ defensive future — is one of hard work, elite athleticism, and continuous improvement. Drafted early in the second round, overcoming adversity, producing strong rookie numbers, and earning a historic fully guaranteed contract, Emmanwori is poised to be a cornerstone player in Seattle’s defense for years to come.