There are some very good things happening at organized team activities (OTAs) for the Seattle Seahawks. For one, defensive tackle Jarran Reed said the offensive line looks a lot better. But defensively, one rookie is already getting a bunch of reps with the first team.
Safety Nick Emmanwori has the size and speed to make an impact on set pieces, but he appears well ahead of that expectation now. In fact, it would not be surprising if head coach Mike Macdonald decides to go with three safeties a lot of the time in 2025.
Emmanwori is also getting glowing praise from defensive coordinator Aden Durde as well as Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
Seahawks rookie Nick Emmanwori already making an impact on the defense
According to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, Witherspoon said, "I think he’s going to be real good for us. Obviously, the size and his speed (stand out) but his ball knowledge, he’s a smart kid. I think he’s going to catch on to the defense very easily. Once he does it and once he gets comfortable doing it, I think there’s no limit for him."
Durde echoed Witherspoon's sentiment, saying, "(Emmanwori is) locked in, he’s just going through the rookie process. He’s playing a couple of different positions at times, but he puts the work in. He works really well with (safeties coach) Jeff Howard. He made a couple of plays last week, it was cool to see."
Besides the raw physical ability, there are maybe some more important factors already emerging with Emmanwori in his first NFL training camp. Based on what Witherspoon and Durde said, the rookie is devoted to making an immediate impact on the defense by working hard. Plus, his football IQ is high and is going to help him adapt to the league quickly.
That Emmanwori is already getting reps with the ones is impressive, but that he is making plays in practice is even more so. The assumption is that at 6'3" and 220 pounds, and his production in college, he will be good in coverage, but rookies can also get duped into picking up the wrong read from an offense.
As smart as Emmanwori is, those blown plays should be limited. His speed will allow him to catch up quickly after initially going the wrong way in coverage.
The next step is how well Emmanwori will play the run once teams can begin contact drills. It is one thing to make plays when there is no blocking, but if he can bully opposing receivers and rushers once training camp and the preseason begin, Emmanwori could cement his status as a first-team player.
He has lined up in the slot quite a bit in practice so far, and that makes the Seahawks' defense more dynamic as well. Witherspoon has been the main nickelback in his first two seasons, but he can also play outside corner well. 12s might see him outside more often in 2025 with Riq Woolen on the other side and Emmanwori in the slot.
That alignment should also keep Seattle's run defense solid, too. Emmanwori would be a bigger player to add to the line. If he is immediately disruptive, Seattle's defense could be a top-5 unit.
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