Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina defensive back Nick Emmanwori (DB40) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images

Commanders could draft Combine breakout star

Originally posted on Washington Commanders on SI
By Jeremy Brener | Last updated Mar 6, 2025 4:00 PM ET

The Washington Commanders have holes all over their defense with several starters facing free agency.

This could prompt the Commanders to take a Day 1 plug-and-play defensive starter in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

In Sports Illustrated writer Bryan Fischer's latest mock draft, the Commanders are pegged to take South Carolina defensive back Nick Emmanwori with the No. 29 overall pick.

Emmanwori to the Commanders?

"Adam Peters may have to consider trading up in the first round in order to ensure he lands Emmanwori after the latter was one of the biggest head-turners at the combine. He’s basically an upgraded version of Jeremy Chinn and has the swagger to become a key player in Dan Quinn’s defense," Fischer writes.

Emmanwori was one of the breakout stars at the NFL Scouting Combine, so the Commanders may not get a chance to choose him, but if he is there at No. 29, Washington will certainly have to at least consider him for the pick.