Part of what made Nick Emmanwori's rookie season so special was his ability to play so many different roles.
Listed as a safety, the second-round pick out of South Carolina posseses a rare combination of size, speed, athleticism and intelligence to be able to play multiple roles in Mike Macdonald's defense. A 6-foot-3, 220-pound chess piece with freakish abilities, Emmanwori spent his rookie season doing everything from covering receivers and tight ends as a nickel defensive back to playing like an off-ball linebacker to rushing and defending the run as an edge defender to, yes, playing a little bit of safety.
Given all of that, it was hardly a surprise on Day 1 of Seattle's mandatory minicamp to see Emmanwori getting some work in with edge rushers early in practice, including some lessons from veteran outside linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence.
"I'm just trying to evolve my game," Emmanwori said. "The NFL game is evolving, so I'm trying to be the frontrunner in leading that way. So I'm working with the edges, Law was out there giving me tips and trying to get me going in that lane."
Emmanwori's rookie campaign didn't start off as he or the Seahawks would have hoped, with a high-ankle sprain sidelining him early in the opener and keeping him out of the following three games, but once he returned, Emmanwori emerged as one of the league's top rookies and as a key playmaker in the NFL's best defense. Despite missing almost four full games, Emmanwori still totaled 81 tackles, 11 passes defensed, 2.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss and one interception.
As is tradition for the Seahawks and a lot of other teams, veterans will still joke with Emmanwori that he is a "rookie" until he gets a few games under his belt in Year 2, but those teammates also know he has the chance to be a special player in 2026 and beyond.
"I'm excited," safety Julian Love said. "Nick is one of one, personality wise, juice wise. Having him as a rookie was really funny, and maybe frustrating at times, because he has some swagger to him for sure. To see him become a leader is pretty cool. He's not out of the rookie phase yet—three games—but it's just fun to see him do his thing. He's just so special, he's one of one in this league. You can make comparisons to a lot of different players, but it's like nothing is what he does. So if we can maximize him this year—he is the heart of this thing, in terms of just talent. He is really special."
Added linebacker Ernest Jones IV, "Nick's a hell of a player. Nick's got all of the tools and abilities that anybody in the world could ask for. Now the next step would be the classroom, just taking steps as far as knowing what plays are before him. Nick's a student of the game, Nick's been doing that, so I expect him to be dominant again."
To Jones' point, Emmanwori said he started seeing the game better midway through last season, and is looking to add to that part of his game this offseason so he can have an even bigger impact this year.
"I'm looking to just be more of a complete player," Emmanwori said. "A lot of the stuff last year as a rook, maybe after like Week 8 or 9, I started noticing formations and stuff, so Week 1, I'm trying to notice stuff and be ahead of the game so I can play fast, make more plays, finish more and more impactful plays.
"I think I did a really good job last year, but I'm definitely ahead of the curve now, starting to feel the game a lot more."
The Seahawks practiced on the first day of minicamp on Tuesday, June 9 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6), quarterback Drew Lock (2) and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Julian Neal (1) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (17) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (17) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Emanuel Wilson (27) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and running back Jadarian Price (8) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Bud Clark (9) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) and wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks long snapper Chris Stoll (41) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6), quarterback Drew Lock (2) and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6), quarterback Drew Lock (2) and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (56) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ja'Markis Weston (46) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. (87) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (84) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashad Rochelle (35) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Bobby Hart (68) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Nick Kallerup (89) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Jalen Sundell (61) and guard Grey Zabel (76) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (17) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) and punter Michael Dickson (4) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Chris Paul Jr. (49) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58), defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) and defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (52) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Chazz Surratt (44) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Maxen Hook (43) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Emanuel Wilson (27) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Rylie Mills (98) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) and kicker Jason Myers (5) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5), punter Michael Dickson (4) and long snapper Chris Stoll (41) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Brandon Pili (95) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Bud Clark (9) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Bud Clark (9) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Amari Kight (79) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and offensive coordinator Brian Fleury practiced on one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Michael Dansby (37), cornerback Andre Fuller (35) and cornerback Julian Neal (1) practiced on day one of minicamp on June 9, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
