Four South Carolina Football Players Receive Strong Projections in NFL Draft Mock

This week, the College Football Network (CFN) released its latest 2025 NFL Draft projections, and South Carolina football is well-represented with several players expected to be early selections. According to CFN, four Gamecocks are projected to be drafted within the first 55 picks.

Leading the charge is safety Nick Emmanwori, who CFN has going to the Buffalo Bills at No. 30. The All-American safety has been a standout in his role, particularly with his growth in coverage. CFN’s Will Helms highlighted Emmanwori’s evolution, noting, “While Emmanwori’s always been a thumper in the back, unafraid of coming downhill to stop the run, he showcased elite ball skills in 2024.” If selected in the first round, Emmanwori will join the ranks of Rick Sanford, another All-American and the only Gamecock safety ever taken that high.

At No. 43, defensive lineman TJ Sanders is projected to go to the San Francisco 49ers. Despite a down year for the 49ers in 2024, the team could be primed for a strong comeback in 2025, especially with improvements to their interior defensive line. Helms believes Sanders, who was an All-SEC contributor for USC, could surpass his college success in the pros, stating he “could become a better pro than college player.” Although Sanders has received first-round draft grades, he’s most likely to go in the second round.

Demetrius Knight, a linebacker, slots in at No. 46 in CFN’s mock draft, where the Atlanta Falcons are expected to pick him. Known for his combination of size and speed, Knight would be a great addition to the Falcons’ defense. Helms suggests Knight’s draft stock could rise further after the NFL Combine, with recent projections ranging from the second to the sixth round, but trending upward as of now.

Finally, EDGE Kyle Kennard rounds out the Gamecocks in the CFN mock, with a projected pick at No. 55 by the Green Bay Packers. Kennard’s versatility, having been effective as both a stand-up EDGE rusher and a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end, aligns with the Packers’ needs. After winning the prestigious Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Kennard has earned NFL Draft grades ranging from the first to the fourth round, though he is most often projected as a second or third-rounder.

These four players are just the beginning, with several other Gamecocks also expected to hear their names called during the 2025 NFL Draft. With strong representation, South Carolina could break its all-time record for players selected in a single draft, which was set at seven in both 2009 and 2013.

The 2025 NFL Draft will be held from April 24th to April 26th in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with coverage across ABC, NFL Network, and ESPN.