CBS Sports writer Ryan Wilson released his latest mock draft, projecting an unexpected direction for the San Francisco 49ers with their No. 11 overall selection. While most mock drafts predict the team will bolster its offensive or defensive line, Wilson has the 49ers selecting South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori.
Emmanwori impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, running a 4.38-second 40-yard dash—second-fastest among this year's group of safeties and seventh among all defensive backs.
"Let's start with the measurables: 6-foot-3, 231 pounds, 32.5-inch arms, a 43-inch vertical jump and a 4.38-second 40-yard dash time," Wilson wrote. "This is basically what it looks like when you build the perfect safety in the lab. But here's the thing: Nick Emmanwori's game tape matches the measuring tape; he has some of the best ball skills in the class, and he's just as good against the run."
San Francisco could lose All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga in free agency but has already invested in the position in recent drafts, selecting Malik Mustapha in the fourth round last year and Ji'Ayir Brown in the third round in 2023.
Emmanwori posted a career-high 88 tackles (three for loss), two passes defensed, and four interceptions in 2024, returning two for touchdowns. His 86.8 coverage grade and 89.5 tackling grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024 were career bests, and he didn't allow a touchdown last season. Opposing quarterbacks managed just a 37.1 NFL passer rating when targeting him in coverage.
"He can come downhill and thump the ball-carrier or carry the tight end or slot receiver in coverage, and he's an even better person," Wilson added.