The Minnesota Vikings have been aggressive this offseason, signing big-name players like Jonathan Allen, Will Fries, and Javon Hargrave. With the trenches fortified, the Vikings can use the 2025 NFL Draft to target their most glaring remaining need: the defensive secondary. With only four selections throughout the draft, the Vikings have to hit on their first-round pick. South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori could be the key to fixing the Vikings secondary.
The Minnesota Vikings Should Draft Nick Emmanwori
Nick Emmanwori made a name for himself at the 2025 NFL Combine. At 6’3″ and 220 pounds, Emmanwori ran a 4.38-second forty-yard dash and posted a 43″ vertical jump. With an overall athleticism score of 91, he ranked first among safeties.
Along with his jaw-dropping athleticism, Emmanwori was highly productive at South Carolina. In 2024, he had four interceptions and returned two of them for touchdowns. Emmanwori totaled at least 70 tackles in each of his three seasons as a Gamecock.
Vikings safety Harrison Smith is entering his fourteenth season in the NFL. While Smith is a Vikings legend, it’s time to draft his successor. If the Vikings draft Nick Emmanwori in the first round, they will inject some much-needed youth into their safety room.
Emmanwori is as versatile as almost any defender in the 2025 NFL Draft. His size and tackling ability allow him to play in the box as an off-ball linebacker. His elite athleticism and ball skills give him the ability to play at deep safety. In Brian Flores’ defense, Emmanwori could be used as a Swiss army knife, filling in at whichever position is needed.
Of course, there are limitations to Nick Emmanwori’s game. His coverage instincts are lacking at times, and his hip fluidity leaves something to be desired. However, his raw athleticism should make him a prime draft candidate for the Minnesota Vikings at pick 24. The Vikings could have a star defender for the next decade if they draft nick Emmanwori.
Main Picture Credit: Gamecock Central, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
