Get to Know Nick Emmanwori: The Rising Safety Prospect Miami Could Target

With the Super Bowl over the league shifts to free agency and mock draft season. Yet again this off-season is among high importance for the Miami Dolphins as they believe they are on the brink of championship contention. But this is not the only reason, a season that doesn’t meet owner Stephen Ross’s standards will all but likely see Mike McDaniel and Chris Grier out of a job. So, with that being said here is the first player that I think can point the Miami Dolphins in the right direction.

The safety position was very weak for the Miami Dolphins this season, missed tackles, blown coverages, and zero interceptions. Between the regression from Jevon Holland, and Jordan Poyer’s poor play the safety position needs renovated to reach the full potential of Anthony Weaver’s system. The Dolphins can look to free agency to build the position and have a huge decision to make regarding Jevon Holland.

One name that continues to rise in draft discussions is Nick Emmanwori, the standout safety from South Carolina.

A First-Team All-American, SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and a versatile enforcer, Emmanwori has the size, athleticism, and football IQ to make an immediate impact in the NFL. The question for Miami is whether he fits their draft range at Pick 13 or if they’d need to trade back into the first round to land him.

1. Physical Profile & Measurables

Height: 6’3”
Weight: 227 lbs
Projected 40-Yard Dash: 4.35 – 4.45 seconds
Playstyle: Hybrid safety/linebacker
Strengths: Run defense, tackling, versatility, coverage against tight ends

At 6’3” and 227 pounds, Emmanwori possesses rare size for a safety, allowing him to match up against tight ends, play in the box, and contribute in nickel packages. His speed and range allow him to be a strong run defender while still providing value in coverage.

His unique blend of length, explosiveness, and instincts makes him a perfect fit for an aggressive, modern NFL defense—one that Miami could certainly use.

2. College Production & Career Achievements

A three-year starter at South Carolina, Emmanwori played 37 games and recorded 244 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 2 defensive touchdowns.

2024 Season (Junior Year)

First-Team All-American (AP, Sporting News, Reese’s Senior Bowl)
SEC Defensive Player of the Year (College Football Nation)
First-Team All-SEC (Unanimous)
Blanchard-Rogers Trophy Finalist
Joe Morrison MVP (Defense)
Safety of the Year (College Football Nation)
SEC Player of the Year (College Football Nation)

📊 Stats (12 Games):
✅ 88 tackles (57 solo), 3 TFL
✅ 4 interceptions, 6 pass breakups
✅ 2 interception return TDs, 107 INT return yards
✅ SEC Defensive Player of the Week (twice)

2023 Season (Sophomore Year)

SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll
71 tackles, 8 PBUs, 2 INTs
Started 11 games at safety/nickel
Led team in pass breakups (8)

2022 Season (Freshman Year)

Freshman All-American (ESPN, PFF, On3)
First-Team Freshman All-SEC
South Carolina Athletics Male Freshman of the Year
Led team with 85 tackles
SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll

Emmanwori made an impact immediately as a Freshman All-American in 2022 and only continued to improve, culminating in a dominant junior year that cemented his status as a top draft prospect.

3. Strengths: Why Emmanwori is a First-Round Talent

✅ Elite Physicality & Run Defense

Plays like an extra linebacker in the box, making him a perfect hybrid safety-linebacker.
Quick downhill trigger, filling run gaps aggressively.
Strong tackler who limits extra yards after contact (Crucial for a Dolphins team that has long struggled with tackling).

✅ Versatile Defensive Weapon

Can line up deep, in the box, or in nickel coverage, making him an every-down player.
Matches up well with tight ends and running backs due to his size and speed.
Strong zone coverage instincts in two-high safety looks.

✅ Playmaker Mentality

Four interceptions in 2024 prove his ability to create turnovers (Something Miami largely lacked this season, 27th in the NFL).
Two pick-sixes last season—he’s a threat when he gets the ball in his hands.
Steps up in big moments—delivered a game-sealing INT vs. Kentucky and a 65-yard pick-six vs. Oklahoma.

4. Weaknesses: Areas for Improvement

❌ Stiffness in Coverage

Has a choppy backpedal and struggles with fluid hip transitions when covering downfield.
Can get too handsy when beaten in coverage, leading to potential penalties.

❌ Overaggressive at Times

Can overcommit to run plays, allowing play-action passes to exploit him.
Needs to improve his vision to avoid being fooled by double moves or misdirection.
Needs to improve on technique rather than just his physical gifts.

5. How Emmanwori Fits the Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins’ defense, under Anthony Weaver, needs more physicality and versatility in the secondary. With Jevon Holland as the team’s rangy free safety, adding Emmanwori as a box safety/nickel defender would complete the defensive backfield.

Why He’s a Fit for Miami:

✅ Can play in the box and stop the run—a key weakness for Miami in 2024.
✅ Versatility allows him to be used in multiple roles (safety, nickel, dime LB).
✅ Can match up against elite tight ends, a necessity in the AFC.
✅ Would form a dominant pairing with Jevon Holland.

Miami has lacked a true enforcer in the secondary—Emmanwori could be that missing piece.

6. Draft Projection: Where Will Emmanwori Land?

Nick Emmanwori’s stock is trending upward, but most projections have him as a mid-to-late first-round pick rather than a top-15 selection.

Current Mock Draft Projections:

Daniel Jeremiah (NFL Network): Pick 20 (Denver Broncos)
CBS Sports: Projected Pick 18-25
NFL Mock Draft Database: Late 1st – Early 2nd Round

What This Means for the Dolphins

✅ At Pick 13: Emmanwori would be a reach unless he dominates the NFL Combine.
✅ If Miami still wants him: A trade back into the late first round would make sense.

He could potentially fall into the second round, an opportunity Miami would need to capitalize on.

Unless Emmanwori skyrockets into the top 15, Miami may need to get creative with a trade-down or trade-up scenario to land him.

7. Final Verdict: Should Miami Draft Nick Emmanwori?

✔ YES. The Dolphins need a physical, versatile playmaker in their secondary, and Emmanwori is the perfect fit. His ability to stop the run, cover tight ends, and generate turnovers would provide immediate impact in Miami’s defense.

The only problem? Emmanwori may be a reach at Pick 13, and Miami’s approach to free agency—particularly in the trenches—will determine whether safety becomes a priority.

With Miami needing defensive reinforcements, Nick Emmanwori would be an ideal selection—if they can find a way to land him.

Whether it’s at Pick 13 or later in the first round, Emmanwori’s physicality, versatility, and playmaking ability make him a name Dolphins fans should watch as the draft approaches.