Nick Emmanwori

The Athletic’s Michael-Shawn Dugar reports Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald forecasts S Nick Emmanwori as playing “safety, nickel and linebacker.”

The description bears a striking resemblance to the role once held by former Seahawks S Kam Chancellor. Emmanwori confirmed as much, saying the Seahawks’ current defensive back group is “looking to recreate the Legion of Boom.” Dugar noted during the Seahawks’ rookie minicamp earlier this month that Emmanwori was “operating as a true box safety or a ‘big nickel’ defender,” lining up “near the line, keying the run [and] guarding tight ends.” Emmanwori is as prepared for the role as a rookie can be, having played under South Carolina DB coach Torrian Gray, who coincidentally coached Chancellor at Virginia Tech. The Seahawks fielded a mid-tier run defense unit last season. Emmanwori’s presence as an enforcer should be felt in year one.