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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 07: Nick Emmanwori #3 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts after a interception during the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Nick Emmanwori has already revealed himself to be one of the best draft picks in Seahawks history, and he’s only just completed his rookie year. 

Emmanwori, in his rookie campaign, had 81 tackles, 11 pass deflections, one interception, and 2.5 sacks as a Swiss-army knife-like safety.  He was selected to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and was a Super Bowl Champion. 

It is hard to replicate that kind of success in the draft, especially with a second-round pick. Still, the Seahawks could draw from the same University of South Carolina secondary well in this upcoming draft with 20-year-old cornerback Brandon Cisse.

Electric Atmosphere 

The Seahawks have long been renowned for their homefield advantage, especially in the playoffs. Their all-time home playoff record is 14-4. University of South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse got to experience this when he traveled to Seattle for the Rams’ NFC Championship game. 

Cisse talked about the environment and playing with Nick Emmanwori in high school at the NFL scouting combine. Jeff Simmons of “Real Hawk Talk” provided the video from the combine on Twitter.

“So I actually played seven on seven with Nick [Emmanwori] in high school, so I was at the NFC Championship when they played the Rams to go watch them. It was actually one of the best environments I’ve seen in a long time, so I’ve seen the Seahawks and studied their defense.”

Cisse then discussed meeting with the Seahawks at the combine, how that meeting went, and whether he was able to talk to Emmanwori. 

“It went great, awesome. I talked to [Emmanwori] a few days ago, we keep in contact. He’s a good friend of mine.”

While the Seahawks may be looking to bolster their already elite secondary, Cisse should have plenty of suitors given his head-turning athletic ability. 

Explosive Athleticism 

One of the standout traits that was highlighted about Brandon Cisse before the combine was his explosive athleticism. Field Yates of ESPN, in his February 26 article previewing the combine, wrote that Cisse’s standout athletic ability would shine at the combine.

“Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina. He is one of the most explosive players in the draft, which is apparent when watching his tape,” Fields said. “A vertical jump north of 40 inches would come as no surprise (expect an impressive broad jump, too), and he’ll blaze the 40 as well. Cisse was a movable chess piece during his college career. A strong week in Indy will strengthen his case to be a first-round selection.”

Cisse proved Yates’ assessment correct by registering a 41-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-11-inch broad jump. Cisse tweaked a muscle and decided to save his 40-yard dash for his Pro Day.

NFL.com writer Lance Zierlein assessed that teams will be more willing to take a chance on Cisse early in the draft due to his athleticism, even if he isn’t a finished product. 

‘Teams will be willing to take a chance on Cisse’s explosive athleticism and upside, but a refinement runway might be needed to smooth some of the rougher edges,” Zierlein said. “He’s scheme-versatile in coverage and is an A-rated run supporter. Work ethic and athletic testing will work in his favor.”

The Seahawks have just four draft picks at the moment in this upcoming draft, so they need to hit on all of them, especially in the early rounds. Cisse could be that guy for the Seahawks, and Nick Emmanwori will certainly put in a good word for him.

Chad Gelfand Chad Gelfand is a journalist covering the NFL with focus on the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, and Carolina Panthers for Heavy.com. Gelfand has over six years of writing experience.

Gelfand previously covered the Philadelphia Eagles for Last Word On Sports. He also has experience writing in the worlds of entertainment and wrestling.

Gelfand was an Entertainment writer for the List.com, and a contributor for Fansided’s wrestling website Daily DDT and The Wrestling Estate. Gelfand has also appeared multiple times as a guest on POST Wrestling’s “Bushby and Thompson’s Wrestling Adventure” podcast. More about Chad Gelfand

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