ESPN’s Matt Miller Offers Bold Draft Prediction and NFL Comparison for Nick Emmanwori

NFL Draft Watch – Nick Emmanwori’s Rising Stock

South Carolina’s standout safety, Nick Emmanwori, whose NFL draft stock is skyrocketing after an impressive 2023 season. ESPN’s Matt Miller, in his latest two-round mock draft, predicts Emmanwori will be selected No. 30 overall, but he believes the former Gamecock could rise even higher, with the potential to enter the Top 20 after a strong performance at the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine.

Miller, in his analysis, drew a bold comparison between Emmanwori and Derwin James, the Los Angeles Chargers star who earned second-team All-Pro honors last season. Miller stated, “Nick Emmanwori, the safety from South Carolina… To give you an NFL comparison, this is Derwin James 2.0.” Emmanwori, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 225 pounds, boasts extraordinary athleticism for his size. According to Miller, he has been clocked running up to 23 miles per hour, a 42-inch vertical jump, and has lifted a staggering 565 pounds in the squat. He’s also completed 24 reps of 225 pounds – impressive numbers that Miller believes will catch the attention of NFL scouts at the Combine next week.

Miller went on to express his excitement, “I’m hoping and praying we get to see a full workout from the South Carolina true junior, who I think has a shot to be a Top-20 pick in this year’s first round once it’s all said and done. He is an ideal fit for so many teams that need that answer for tight ends and mobile quarterbacks at the safety position.”

Looking back at Emmanwori’s performance this past season, he was a key pillar of South Carolina’s defense, earning first-team All-American and All-SEC honors. His numbers speak for themselves: 88 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 4 interceptions, including two pick-sixes. These standout performances have undoubtedly placed him among the most talked-about defensive prospects ahead of the draft.

As for his draft evaluation, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein noted that Emmanwori’s tape could vary depending on the game. He’s a physical powerhouse, but Zierlein mentioned that Emmanwori doesn’t always show a “first to the action” mentality in run support. When he does ramp up his intensity, however, he’s a force to be reckoned with, displaying excellent sideline-to-sideline tackling and run-stopping ability.

Zierlein continued, “He’s capable of playing over the top, inside the box or even matching up with pass-catching tight ends. He’s upright with average transition fluidity in coverage, but he has great recovery speed and uses his length to throw a blanket over the catch point. He has NFL traits and talent, so a boost in urgency could take him from a good starter to a great one.”

With Emmanwori’s athleticism and versatility, along with his potential to be a key player against tight ends and mobile quarterbacks, it’s clear he’s a rising star in this year’s draft. Expect a lot of eyes on him at the Scouting Combine as teams look to assess his fit for their defense.