Chiefs Scouting Report: South Carolina Gamecocks Safety Nick Emmanwori

In a crucial move, the Kansas City Chiefs have placed the franchise tag on Trey Smith, which may significantly impact their cap space for retaining other important free agents, including safety Justin Reid. While General Manager Brett Veach should certainly prioritize re-signing Reid, the team may need to explore more budget-friendly options, potentially eyeing the 2025 NFL Draft to fill this gap.

One standout name emerging in the draft conversation is South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori. Standing an imposing 6’3 1/8’’ and weighing 220 pounds, Emmanwori brings an impressive combination of size and athleticism, with 32 1/2’’ arms to match. His versatility on the field was evident during his time with the Gamecocks, where he was deployed in various coverage roles: single-high safety in Cover 1, two-high safety in Cover 2, middle hook, off-man coverage against the slot or tight ends, and also in the box.

At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Emmanwori put on an electrifying performance. According to Next Gen Stats’ historical Combine tracker, his 43’’ vertical jump ranks as the sixth-best among all safeties since 2003. His 11’6’’ broad jump tied for fourth, while he also blazed a 4.38 40-yard dash and posted a 1.49 10-yard split. This 10-yard split ties with Iowa State cornerback Darien Porter, who was a high school track standout, for the fastest of the year’s Combine.

With his rare blend of height, speed, and strength, Emmanwori presents an intriguing prospect at safety. While his range as a single-high safety may not be elite, his agility and ability to change direction quickly make him a force in coverage. He accelerates swiftly to his top speed, whether covering ground in deep coverage or moving downhill.

Emmanwori’s football IQ shines through as he reads quarterbacks and anticipates route breaks, often undercutting throwing lanes with his impressive jumping ability to contest jump balls. However, he does have a tendency to bite on intermediate route fakes, leaving him vulnerable to over-the-top throws. Some natural tightness in his hips can also limit his fluidity at times.

Where Emmanwori truly excels is in the box or when playing downhill. His ability to diagnose the run and close in quickly on ball carriers is exceptional, and his power makes him a nightmare for tight ends trying to block him. He consistently delivers strong, reliable tackles, showing a keen sense for when to strike.

In sum, Emmanwori’s athleticism and coverage flexibility are rare, especially for a player of his size. Few safety prospects from the past decade possess the combination of traits he brings to the table.

This scouting report originally appeared on Chiefs Wire.