COLUMBIA — South Carolina football safety Nick Emmanwori could go early in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Emmanwori spent three years under coach Shane Beamer in Columbia, playing college football 12 miles from his high school in Irmo.

In 2024 especially, Emmanwori grew into one of the most exciting safeties in the SEC, as he logged four interceptions and finished tied for solo tackles with 57.

The 6-foot-3, 227-pound player performed well at the NFL combine in February, finishing with a total score of 85. He scored 82 in production, 91 in athleticism and ran 4.38 in the 40-yard dash. His 6.41 grade (out of eight) at the combine ranked first among safeties.

The NFL's grading scale for 6.40-6.49 says the player "Will become good starter within two years."

Here's where Emmanwori is projected in the draft just days before the first round on Thursday (8 p.m., ABC/ESPN).

Nick Emmanwori draft projections

The Athletic: No. 13 to Miami Dolphins : "At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds with 4.3-second speed, Emmanwori is a physical freak. His teammates also praise his football IQ and reaction skills. A talent like that in [defensive coordinator] Anthony Weaver’s scheme would be fun."

Jeff Risdon, Draft Wire: No. 13 to Miami Dolphins: "I have a feeling Emmanwori might not even last this long, the mock draft machines be darned..."

CBS Sports: No. 15 to Atlanta Falcons : "With a top-flight edge available at this juncture, let's add an incredible amount of juice next to Jessie Bates at safety, especially considering Justin Simmons is still a free agent."

ESPN: No. 24 to Minnesota Vikings : "Emmanwori is more than a combine warrior ... He can play multiple safety spots, which fits well in a [defensive coordinator] Brian Flores-led defense that emphasizes versatility and complex defensive structures."

USA TODAY: No. 27 to the Baltimore Ravens : "Imagine pairing this physical specimen with All-Pro Kyle Hamilton, who was teamed with Smurf-y Ar'Darius Washington (5-8, 180) for much of 2024. Emmanwori, an All-American in 2024, has size (6-3, 220) comparable to Hamilton’s – yet his metrics suggest the Gamecocks star is a more explosive athlete."

The Ringer: No. 29 to Washington Commanders: "He brings rare movement skills and can be deployed all over the formation for the Commanders — giving the team more flexibility in coverage looks."

Nick Emmanwori NFL combine results

Nick Emmanwori stats at South Carolina football