Top 25 Seattle Seahawks Going into 2026 NFL Season: #6 Nick Emmanwori

The Seattle Seahawks have something special in second-year slot cornerback Nick Emmanwori.

Jun 9, 2026; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) speaks to the media after minicamp practice at Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Seattle Seahawks are revered for their ability to draft well. The latest example is the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Seahawks selected their franchise left guard Grey Zabel in the first round, but their best pick might have come one round later. Seattle drafted South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori.

He became one of the biggest picks in the entire draft. Emmanwori was one of the most dynamic players in the league, as he can play multiple positions, play multiple schemes and cover all over the field. There is a great chance he’ll be better this 2026 NFL Season.

Why Emmanwori Could Be Ranked Higher?

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

When the Seahawks drafted Emmanwori in the second round, many experts believed he would be a backup safety behind Julian Love and Coby Bryant. Head coach Mike Macdonald turned Emmanwori not only into a starter, but also one of the electric and dynamic defenders in all of football. Emmanwori was inserted as the starting slot cornerback early and got better as the season progressed.

In 14 regular-season games played, he accounted for 81 total tackles, 56 solo tackles, nine tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 11 pass breakups and an interception. Emmanwori possesses great speed, strength and athleticism that make him a reliable and ruthless tackler, an explosive blitzer and a solid man and zone coverage player. He was a key part of the Seahawks’ Dark Side Defense in his rookie season.

The Seahawks might utilize him more this upcoming season in different ways. Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde are having him learn from veteran edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence on being a pass rusher at the line of scrimmage.

This means he might be able to battle against the opposing offensive linemen at the line of scrimmage. He might also be utilized as a boundary cornerback, traditional safety or a box linebacker to create more unique formations.

Why Emmanwori Could Be Ranked Lower?

Feb 5, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) talks to media members at the San Jose Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It took some time for him to learn the system, but he eventually played at an elite level. Emmanwori needs to be more aggressive in contested catches against tight ends. He didn’t have the best games against some of the better tight ends, including Arizona Cardinals star Trey McBride.

The biggest negative factor for Emmanwori heading into the 2026 NFL Season is his health. There was a question about his ankle before going into Super Bowl LX. His ankle recovery regressed to the point where he needed surgery in July and hasn’t appeared in a training camp or preseason practice.

He is doing more position workouts, but hasn’t been in a padded practice. It isn’t known if he will be ready by the time the Seahawks kick off the 2026 season against the New England Patriots.

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