Nick Emmanwori is already a star. But with just one tweak to his game, he could become a household name in the NFL—and an annual All-Pro candidate.

The Seattle Seahawks rode a dominant defense to a Super Bowl victory in 2025, and rookie second-round pick Emmanwori was a major reason why. Under head coach Mike Macdonald, the young safety burst onto the scene, making an immediate impact. However, as impressive as his rookie season was, there's still room to grow.

According to ESPN's Ben Solak, Emmanwori is on the cusp of elite status. The missing piece? A single, crucial question about his game.

"To this point, Emmanwori is a unique X factor on a well-schemed defense," Solak writes. "If he can become a more trustworthy player dropping into zone, he'll truly ascend to that Kyle Hamilton/Derwin James Jr. tier of perennial All-Pro safety play."

That's high praise—and a clear challenge. At 6-foot-3 with blazing athleticism, Emmanwori is already a nightmare near the line of scrimmage. He can blitz, stuff the run, and disrupt plays before they develop. But in coverage, there are still question marks.

Last season, quarterbacks posted a 99.6 passer rating when targeting Emmanwori. He allowed a 74.2% completion rate, 424 yards, and three touchdowns through the air. While he did snag one interception, those numbers simply don't match the NFL's elite safeties.

For context, the league's top defensive backs—players like Hamilton and James—are just as dangerous in coverage as they are near the box. That's the standard Emmanwori is chasing.

The good news? He's already shown flashes. In 2025, there were moments where his coverage instincts clicked, hinting at the player he can become. There's no reason to doubt a 2025 draft pick with his work ethic and physical tools can make that leap.

But until he proves he can consistently hold his own in pass coverage, that one big question will linger. Answer it, and Emmanwori won't just be a Super Bowl champion—he'll be a perennial All-Pro.