In the latest NFL mock draft, the Baltimore Ravens select South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori to bolster their defense.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves in an excellent position to bolster their roster, specifically in areas where they have been lacking. The Ravens have long prided themselves on being one of the most dominant defensive teams in the league, but their ability to consistently stop the opposition has been put to the test in recent seasons. With the rise of high-powered offenses and the evolution of quarterback play in the NFL, Baltimore’s defense has at times found itself stretched thin, particularly in the secondary.
In the latest mock drafts, one name has surfaced as a potential key addition for the Ravens: Nick Emmanwori, a standout safety from South Carolina. Emmanwori has been turning heads in the college football world due to his incredible athleticism, high football IQ, and versatility on the field. If the Ravens are able to secure his services in the upcoming draft, it could be a game-changer for their defense and would help strengthen a unit that is already among the league’s most respected.
Why Nick Emmanwori?
Nick Emmanwori has established himself as one of the top safety prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft after a breakout career at South Carolina. Known for his ability to cover ground quickly and his natural instincts for the game, Emmanwori would be an immediate impact player for the Ravens. His combination of size, athleticism, and understanding of the game makes him an ideal fit for Baltimore’s defense, which thrives on versatility and being able to adapt to different situations. Emmanwori’s skills would allow the Ravens to improve both against the run and in pass coverage, as he has proven to be adept in both areas.
Emmanwori’s draft stock has risen throughout his college career, and he has drawn significant attention for his performances on both sides of the ball. His ability to diagnose plays before they develop, combined with his speed and strength, has allowed him to make an immediate impact on defense. The ability to play multiple roles in the defensive backfield is particularly attractive to an NFL team like the Ravens, who value defensive flexibility. Additionally, Emmanwori’s hard-hitting style would be a welcome addition to a defense known for its aggressive nature.
The Need for a Playmaking Safety in Baltimore
While the Ravens have had some success with their defensive backfield in recent years, there have been notable weaknesses, particularly at the safety position. Baltimore’s secondary has been a mixed bag, with some strong performances from individual players but an overall lack of consistency. With a high-powered AFC filled with elite quarterbacks and dynamic offenses, the Ravens know that they need to strengthen their defense to keep up with the competition.
In 2024, the Ravens’ defense showed flashes of greatness, but there were several games in which they struggled to consistently stop opposing offenses. One of the key areas in need of improvement was the ability to cover wide receivers in both short and deep routes, as well as defending against tight ends and running backs in the passing game. This is where a player like Nick Emmanwori could make a significant difference.
Emmanwori’s ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and react quickly is one of his defining traits. His closing speed and ball-hawking ability would give the Ravens a safety who can cover both deep passes and short routes effectively. His range would allow him to roam freely in the secondary, helping cover for other defensive backs and providing crucial support in deep coverage.
Additionally, Emmanwori’s versatility could allow the Ravens to use him in different ways depending on the opponent. He has the size and athleticism to be an effective box safety, coming down into the box to help stop the run, while also being able to drop back and cover deep passes as a free safety. This flexibility makes him a perfect fit for a defense that thrives on mixing up its schemes and keeping opposing offenses guessing.
Emmanwori’s Strengths: Analyzing the South Carolina Star
Nick Emmanwori’s resume is impressive, and his combination of skills has made him one of the most coveted safety prospects in this draft class. Let’s break down some of the key attributes that make him such an intriguing prospect for the Ravens.
1. Athleticism and Speed
Emmanwori possesses the speed and agility that every NFL defensive back dreams of. His quickness allows him to cover ground quickly, whether he’s tracking the ball in the air or running down ball carriers in the open field. His lateral quickness makes him extremely effective at covering both tight ends and running backs on passing downs. Additionally, his speed helps him close on plays quickly, which is crucial in an NFL defense that often faces high-speed offenses that look to capitalize on open spaces.
2. Football IQ
Perhaps one of Emmanwori’s most underrated attributes is his football IQ. He has a knack for reading offenses and anticipating plays before they develop. His ability to diagnose plays early has allowed him to make crucial tackles and interceptions, helping to put his defense in favorable positions. His awareness and ability to anticipate the quarterback’s next move would be a major asset to a team like the Ravens, which prides itself on its complex defensive schemes.
Emmanwori’s awareness extends to his recognition of running back routes and his ability to handle shifts in coverage. As a result, he often finds himself in the right place at the right time, which helps him make impactful plays. His football intelligence allows him to be a threat to opposing quarterbacks, forcing them to rethink their passing decisions.
3. Tackling and Physicality
Emmanwori’s physicality is another reason why he would be a great fit for the Ravens. The team has always been known for its tough, hard-hitting defense, and Emmanwori brings that same mentality. As a safety, he is often tasked with playing in the box and taking on ball carriers, and his tackling ability is top-notch. Whether it’s wrapping up a running back in the open field or making a big stop near the line of scrimmage, Emmanwori is not afraid to step up and deliver a blow.
His aggressive style of play would align well with the Ravens’ defensive philosophy, which emphasizes a physical approach to both pass defense and run defense. His ability to play both deep and close to the line of scrimmage would give the Ravens flexibility in their schemes, allowing them to move him around depending on the situation.
4. Ball Skills and Coverage Ability
Emmanwori has demonstrated strong ball skills throughout his college career, showcasing the ability to track passes in the air and make contested interceptions. His ability to anticipate the quarterback’s throws and read the route combinations makes him a serious threat to opposing offenses. Whether it’s stepping in front of a route or jumping a pass for an interception, Emmanwori is always around the ball.
His ability to create turnovers is a key part of his game, and it’s one that would greatly benefit a Ravens defense looking to create more game-changing plays. In today’s NFL, turnovers are critical in swinging the momentum of a game, and Emmanwori’s knack for creating them would be an asset to Baltimore’s defensive identity.
Fit with the Ravens’ Defense
The Ravens have a long history of great defensive players, from Ray Lewis and Ed Reed to more recent stars like Marlon Humphrey and Patrick Queen. Nick Emmanwori fits the Ravens’ defensive ethos perfectly. He has the physicality and football IQ to thrive in their complex system, which relies heavily on versatility and a multi-faceted approach to both pass defense and run defense.
Emmanwori could step in and make an immediate impact on the Ravens’ defense, whether he plays as a deep safety or moves closer to the line of scrimmage as a box safety. His speed and intelligence would allow the team to use him in a variety of roles, depending on the situation. The Ravens often employ multiple defensive backs on the field at once, and Emmanwori could add depth and flexibility to this approach.
With the emergence of young talent like Kyle Hamilton on the roster, pairing Emmanwori with another talented safety would give the Ravens a dynamic duo in the secondary, capable of taking on any challenge. This pairing would provide the Ravens with the depth they need to compete against the AFC’s top quarterbacks and offenses, and it would give them the flexibility to adapt their defensive schemes depending on the opponent.
What Does This Mean for the Ravens’ Future?
By selecting Nick Emmanwori in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Ravens would be making a smart investment in their defensive future. As the NFL continues to evolve with more explosive offenses, teams must find ways to adapt and counter these high-powered attacks. Emmanwori’s ability to cover a wide range of offensive threats—ranging from elite wide receivers to running backs and tight ends—would give the Ravens the ability to be more adaptable on defense. His playmaking ability could allow the Ravens to force turnovers and create momentum-changing plays.
The addition of Emmanwori would also solidify the team’s secondary, which has often been a point of vulnerability in recent years. By adding a player with his skill set, the Ravens would be better positioned to contend for a Super Bowl in the coming seasons.
