The most aggressive move Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider made during the 2025 NFL draft was to trade up 17 spots in the second round. Schneider sent the Nos. 52 and 82 overall selections to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for No. 35. With that pick, the Seahawks drafted former South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori.
It’s safe to say Emmanwori is excited about his landing spot. In a recent update to his social media, Emmanwori uploaded a photo of Seattle’s infamous “Legion of Boom” defense as his header photo, featuring Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, and others.
How aggressive Schneider was to acquire Emmanwori signals their overall thoughts on him as a prospect. Head coach Mike Macdonald is a defense-first leader who has coached some terrific safeties throughout his career. Macdonald envisions Emmanwori playing a Kyle Hamilton-like role, who he coached as the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens.
Emmanwori was one of the most athletic prospects at this year’s NFL Combine. The Gamecocks standout ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing-quick 4.38 seconds at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds. Emmanwori also made history by leaping a 43 inch vertical and 11-foot-6 broad jump.
Emmanwori’s athleticism allows him to play a versatile role. He’s joining a talented secondary in Seattle that already featured Devon Witherspoon, Riq Woolen, Julian Love, and Coby Bryant. It might not quite be the “Legion of Boom,” but Emmanwori’s head is in the right place.