Raven Country

Ravens Could Miss Out on Rising CB Prospect

The Baltimore Ravens may be saying goodbye to their chances of drafting one of the top defensive backs in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina defensive back Nick Emmanwori (DB40) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina defensive back Nick Emmanwori (DB40) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images | Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images

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The Baltimore Ravens and the rest of the league are adjusting their draft boards after the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Some prospects hurt their stock, while others raised it, including South Carolina defensive back Nick Emmanwori, who dazzled with his performance at the Combine.

ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. even believes that Emmanwori, a potential target for the Ravens, may no longer be available when Baltimore is on the clock at No. 27.

"Everyone was talking about Emmanwori as a potential combine standout. He lived up to the hype in a big way. His 43-inch vertical and 11-foot, 6-inch broad jump ranked No. 1 among all players. His 4.38-second time in the 40 ranked second among safeties (though his 1.49-second 10-yard split was first). It was pure domination, and his outstanding explosion was on full display," Kiper writes.

"Toss in really good production in college (four picks in 2024), and he might end up being the first safety off the board. I had Georgia's Malaki Starks (who ran a solid 4.50) over him at No. 14 to the Colts in the mock draft. Emmanwori was No. 27 to the Ravens. Those two might flip spots after this week."

Defensive back is a potential first position for the Ravens in the NFL Draft, much like it was last year when the team took Nate Wiggins with the No. 30 overall pick. However, Wiggins is a cornerback while Emmanwori projects to be a safety in the NFL.

If the Ravens could land Emmanwori to pair up with Wiggins, they might have one of the best defensive backfields on their hands. However, they may now need to trade up if they want to land the South Carolina Gamecocks star.

The 2025 NFL Draft is set for April 24-26.

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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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