Seattle Seahawks insider on how Nick Emmanwori will help unleash Devon Witherspoon

The Seattle Seahawks’ defense is poised for a significant transformation with the addition of rookie safety Nick Emmanwori. His arrival is expected to complement the already formidable presence of cornerback Devon Witherspoon, creating a dynamic defensive duo that can disrupt opposing offenses in unprecedented ways.

Nick Emmanwori’s performance at the 2025 NFL Combine turned heads across the league. Standing 6’3″ and weighing 220 pounds, he clocked a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, recorded a 43-inch vertical leap, and posted an 11.5-foot broad jump. These metrics earned him a perfect 10.00 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) for the strong safety position, placing him among the top performers in combine history .

Emmanwori’s blend of size, speed, and explosiveness is reminiscent of former Seahawks great Kam Chancellor, known for his physicality and playmaking ability. This comparison underscores the potential impact Emmanwori could have on Seattle’s defense.

Since joining the Seahawks, Devon Witherspoon has quickly become a cornerstone of their secondary. In his rookie season, he recorded over 90 tackles, showcasing his ability to contribute in both coverage and run support . His versatility allows him to excel in various defensive schemes, making him a valuable asset in multiple roles .

Witherspoon’s aggressive playing style and football IQ have drawn comparisons to Hall of Famers like Ronde Barber and Darrell Green, highlighting his exceptional skills and potential .

The pairing of Emmanwori and Witherspoon presents a unique opportunity for the Seahawks’ defense. Emmanwori’s physical presence and playmaking ability can complement Witherspoon’s coverage skills and versatility. Together, they can create a formidable secondary capable of shutting down opposing passing attacks and providing support against the run.

Defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt has emphasized the importance of utilizing Witherspoon’s talents in various roles to maximize his impact on the game . The addition of Emmanwori allows for even greater flexibility, enabling the Seahawks to implement more complex defensive schemes that can keep opposing offenses guessing.

The integration of Emmanwori into the Seahawks’ defense is expected to have several key benefits:

• Enhanced Coverage: Witherspoon’s ability to cover a wide range of routes, combined with Emmanwori’s ball-hawking skills, can create a secondary that is difficult for quarterbacks to navigate.
• Improved Run Support: Both players’ physicality and tackling ability can bolster the Seahawks’ run defense, which has been a point of emphasis in recent seasons.
• Increased Versatility: The ability to move both players around the defensive backfield allows for more dynamic and unpredictable defensive schemes.

This strategic alignment positions the Seahawks’ defense to be more aggressive and adaptable, traits that are essential in today’s NFL.

With the addition of Nick Emmanwori, the Seattle Seahawks’ defense is entering a new era of dominance. The synergy between Emmanwori and Witherspoon has the potential to elevate the team’s defensive performance to new heights. As both players continue to develop and refine their skills, the Seahawks’ defense is poised to become one of the most formidable units in the league.

Fans can look forward to a season filled with exciting defensive plays and a renewed sense of optimism as the Seahawks aim to reclaim their position as one of the NFL’s elite defensive teams.