Where Did South Carolina Gamecocks Stand in the Latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft?

2025 NFL Draft Predictions for South Carolina Gamecocks

Good evening, fans and analysts! College Sports Network just dropped its 3-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft, and it looks like a lot of South Carolina Gamecocks are getting their names called early! Let’s dive right into how the Gamecocks are positioned in this mock and what it means for their future in the NFL.

South Carolina Gamecocks NFL Draft Breakdown: 4 Gamecocks in CSN’s Latest Mock Draft

There’s a growing buzz around Columbia that the 2025 NFL Draft could be a historic one for South Carolina. Several Gamecocks are expected to hear their names called, with a few even going earlier than anticipated. Players like Nick Emmanwori, T.J. Sanders, and Kyle Kennard have all earned first-round buzz. Expect that hype to build even further after the 2025 NFL Combine.

Now, let’s break down where our Gamecocks are expected to land, and how they might fit with the teams drafting them.

Top 4 Gamecocks in the Latest Mock Draft:

30) Nick Emmanwori, SAF, Buffalo Bills
Nick Emmanwori is an intriguing fit for the Buffalo Bills, a team in need of a safety. The pairing has been popular among both fans and experts alike. Standing at 6’3″ and 225 pounds, Emmanwori is a freakish athlete who could run in the 4.3s at the NFL Combine—a rarity for safety prospects. This athleticism gives him incredible potential, but his stock might rise significantly after the Combine, making it unclear whether he’ll still be available at pick 30.

His versatility is key—he’s always been a hard-hitting safety against the run, but Emmanwori showcased elite ball skills in 2024, grabbing four interceptions and returning two for touchdowns. His range and toughness would be ideal in a Sean McDermott-led defense, but the question remains: will the Bills still have the opportunity to grab him?

43) T.J. Sanders, IDL, San Francisco 49ers
Next up is T.J. Sanders, who seems locked in as the second Gamecock off the board. The explosive interior pass rusher lands with the San Francisco 49ers, a team with a history of drafting South Carolina talent. Despite being undersized, Sanders makes up for it with his raw power and speed.

.@GamecockFB DT T.J. Sanders is known for his speed, but Good Lord did he convert that speed to power on this rep

WHEW pic.twitter.com/59VVZlicdg

— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 28, 2025

Notably, Sanders hasn’t played more than 480 snaps in a season, not due to injury, but because of South Carolina’s deep rotation along the defensive line. He could be a player who performs better at the next level. His special teams experience and ability to play multiple positions along the defensive line make him a great fit in San Francisco.

46) Demetrius Knight, LB, Atlanta Falcons
Here’s where things get interesting. Demetrius Knight is an older prospect but a fantastic leader, and he’s one to keep an eye on during the Combine. A sixth-year senior, Knight has excellent speed at linebacker and demonstrated great coverage skills at South Carolina. After a breakout 2024 season, his explosive abilities will undoubtedly impress scouts, and he could go much higher than expected.

The Atlanta Falcons are looking for more speed on defense, and Knight brings that in spades. His size and athleticism make him a valuable addition to their linebacker corps, and his leadership qualities will be crucial for any team that drafts him.

55) Kyle Kennard, Edge, Green Bay Packers
Finally, Kyle Kennard lands with the Green Bay Packers at pick 55. While no one predicted Kennard to win the Bednarik Award, he was one of the Gamecocks’ top players this season. A breakout senior year, especially in 2023, saw him become a more refined pass rusher. Standing tall and lean, Kennard has great bend and an arsenal of pass-rushing moves.

In his standout game against LSU, Kennard made life miserable for projected first-round tackle Will Campbell, despite a couple of penalties that erased potential pick-sixes. The Packers, in need of another edge rusher opposite Rashan Gary, would benefit greatly from Kennard’s proven pass-rushing ability.

That’s a quick rundown of the Gamecocks in CSN’s latest 2025 mock draft. It’s shaping up to be an exciting draft for South Carolina, with several players potentially being selected earlier than expected. Stay tuned for more updates as the draft approaches!