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Commanders could take 'explosive' playmaker in Round 1 of NFL Draft

The NFL Draft has some talent, but the Washington Commanders may look to target an "explosive" player in the first round.
Jeremy Brener|
South Carolina defensive back Nick Emmanwori during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
South Carolina defensive back Nick Emmanwori during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. | Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images

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Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders are going into the NFL Draft hoping that they can add some playmakers to the secondary.

One of those potential additions is South Carolina defensive back Nick Emmanwori, who was deemed by NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks as the most "explosive" player in the draft.

READ MORE: Commanders fans should keep an eye on this sneaky draft fit

Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams breaks a tackle by South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Nick Emmanwori.
Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams breaks a tackle by South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Nick Emmanwori. | Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Commanders can add "explosiveness"

"The star of this year's combine is more than just a "workout warrior." Emmanwori is a big-play specialist who showcases his decathlete-like skills in pads," Brooks writes.

"Whether nailing a big-bodied running back in the hole or picking off an overthrown pass and taking it back to the house, the South Carolina standout perfectly illustrates how elite athleticism translates into dominant production. The 6-3 1/8, 220-pounder with 4.38 speed and explosive leaping ability (43-inch vertical leap and 11-foot-6 broad jump) is the rangy playmaker defensive coordinators prefer in the middle of the field. With the speed to track down runners from sideline to sideline and the hops to swat away passes thrown inside the numbers, Emmanwori is one of the few defensive game changers in the 2025 class."

Emmanwori will likely be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft, which is set to take place on Thursday, April 24.

READ MORE: Commanders could land top-tier pass rusher in NFL Draft

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 offseason.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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