SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 08: Devon Witherspoon #21 of the Seattle Seahawks and Nick Emmanwori #3 react to a play during the first quarter of Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

...

Anne Erickson

By Anne Erickson

0

Share

Newsweek is a Trust Project member

See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.

The Seattle Seahawks had the best 2025 season ever, because they won the Super Bowl. It's amazing to see what head coach Mike Macdonald has done with this team in just a few years. Call it a total turnaround.

Now, the Seahawks have lost some players that they just couldn't afford to keep on the roster, but the good news is that they also have some budding stars just waiting to break out.

Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports is highlighting his absolute favorite under-the-radar breakout stars for 2026.

Read More on NFL

"The offseason and preseason do provide plenty of opportunities for individuals to make their jumps from relative unknowns -- at least to casual fans -- to standouts," he says.

More news: Baker Mayfield Target Could Bloom in 2026

For the Seahawks, he likes safety Nick Emmanwori.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Devon Witherspoon #21 of the Seattle Seahawks and Nick Emmanwori #3 react to a play during the first quarter of Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

...

"The reigning Super Bowl champs had a ton of talent across their defense, but one could argue Nick Emmanwori helped them unlock their finest form last year," he says in the piece. "The Defensive Rookie of the Year runner-up played significant snaps as a box safety, as a nickel corner, and even along the defensive line."

He adds that Emmanwori brought "big-time physicality and athleticism everywhere he went. A strong presence in the run game, Emmanwori hits like a linebacker, runs like a cornerback, and has the size of a safety."

More football news: Jordan Love Target Has Something to Prove This Season With Packers

Emmanwori is a bright spot for Seattle as they deal with the losses that they had on defense, like safety Coby Bryant and cornerback Riq Woolen. Pereles also makes a solid point that offseason and preseason offer "plenty of opportunities for individuals to make their jumps from relative unknowns -- at least to casual fans -- to standouts." Emmanwori could definitely be one of those names.

View 0 Comments

Request Reprint & Licensing

Submit Correction

View Editorial & AI Guidelines