Nick Emmanwori isn't just another athletic freak in the NFL Draft class, he is a Gamecock-bred powerhouse that refuses to coast on just raw talent. The Seattle Seahawks made him the No. 35 overall pick in the NFL Draft earlier this year, and it is apparent why he was their choice. Emmanwori put up some monster numbers, with a 4.38 in the 40, 43-inch vertical, and 20 bench reps. Elite. And his mindset on the field? Even better. Emmanwori is proving himself to be a great athlete and player.
After he led one of the SEC's most physical defenses, Emmanwori entered the NFL with as much humility as confidence, because he knows that jump from collegiate to pro isn't easy. He is not only putting in the work, but he's also asking all the right questions as well.
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald met with the media after Tuesday's opening day of minicamp and couldn't help but laugh when talking about Emmanwori and his inquisitive nature: “Nick keeps showing up, I have to tell him, ‘Hey man, the door is closed. Knock." Apparently, the rookie has been a little overly eager to learn. Sounds like a good problem for a coach to have.
Macdonald added that Emmanwori's teammates have also embraced him, while also expressing the standards that are expected at the NFL level. "Nick has the humility to do that… and to operate that way. But to his credit, we’re giving him a lot.”
That humility, combined with hard work and showing up every day, is why Emmanwori is making an early impact in the NFL. He has the mindset to match the physicality, and that isn't found just anywhere.