Although the Seattle Seahawks drafted Nick Emmanwori as a safety, he has quickly shown that he can play anywhere on the defensive side of the ball.
At Seahawks minicamp this past week, the rookie safety made a strong impression on his new team.
According to Greg Bell of the Tacoma News Tribune, Emmanwori worked at multiple positions in practice, including in the slot, outside linebacker, inside linebacker and, of course, safety.
"The rookie second-round pick practiced at safety. He did outside-linebacker drills, and at times lined up with Ernest Jones as the defense’s only linebackers in scrimmages," Bell wrote.
"Emmanwori was the nickel defensive back inside. He defended tight ends and wide receivers," Bell added. "He blitzed, multiple times forcing (Sam) Darnold to lawn-dart throws into the turf. He defended tight ends and wide receivers."
Emmanwori being able to play the nickel in some sets would allow Pro Bowl corner Devon Witherspoon to play on the outside with Riq Woolen, giving the Seahawks one of the best cornerback groups in the league.
Emmanwori's six interceptions and 11 passes defended at South Carolina prove his ability to cover pass-catchers and make plays.
Because of Emmanwori's 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame, he will be more than capable to line up at linebacker, also, and excel at it.
Ernest Jones and Tyrice Knight made a name for themselves in 2024, being one of the better linebacker duos in the NFL. Having one of the most athletic players in the draft being able to line up alongside them in packages will just cause more havoc for offenses.
Emmanwori's ability to blitz and get to the quarterback adds even more versatility to the defense, and more pressure on quarterbacks.
Emmanwori's unique traits will allow second-year head coach Mike Macdonald to use him in distinctive ways to make the Seahawks already strong defense even better in 2025.