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South Carolina puts four in three-round mock draft

by: Kevin Miller03/18/25kevinbmiller52
South Carolina DT TJ Sanders celebrates on the field (Photo: CJ Driggers | GamecockCentral)
South Carolina DT TJ Sanders celebrates on the field (Photo: CJ Driggers | GamecockCentral)

South Carolina football is holding its Pro Day Tuesday, and 25 Gamecocks will test and work out in front of NFL decision-makers. More than a few of those USC standouts have realistic NFL Draft hopes, and good showings on Tuesday could help move those hopes to reality.

You can check out a Pro Day preview and player breakdown from GamecockCentral’s Mike Uva here.

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Over the weekend, Tankathon released its latest NFL Draft mock. The three-round board included four South Carolina football alums. All four went to the NFL Combine last month and will work out in some capacity at Pro Day.

First, All-American defensive back Nick Emmanwori slots in at pick No. 13 to the Miami Dolphins. If Tankathon’s projection proves to be true, the Irmo native would become the NFL Draft’s first safety selected. Like many other outlets, Tankathon has moved Emmanwori up significantly since his dominant performance at the NFL Combine.

At the back end of the second round, Tankathon has defensive lineman TJ Sanders coming off the board at No. 59 to the Baltimore Ravens. Sanders’ versatility would fit well in the Ravens’ scheme as he can play tackle or as a big defensive end in the 3-4. He is the eighth primary defensive tackle listed in Tankathon’s mock.

Then, up next is EDGE Kyle Kennard to the San Francisco 49ers at pick No. 75. If picked by the ‘9ers, Kennard would be the eighth South Carolina product taken by the organization since 2011. Kennard’s pass rush juice should prove to be a major commodity this April. The Nagurski Trophy winner could help his stock with additional solid testing on Tuesday.

Linebacker Demetrius Knight is the fourth Gamecock in Tankathon’s mock draft. Projected at No. 84 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Knight has flown up draft boards. A strong Combine could be bolstered on Tuesday. If he does well again on Tuesday, Knight could continue moving up mock drafts as his size and speed are an elite combo at the linebacker position.

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South Carolina has a strong chance of breaking its all-time record for players taken in one draft. In both 2009 and 2013, seven Gamecocks earned draft selection.

In addition to Emmanwori, Sanders, Kennard, and Knight, several Gamecocks have featured prominently in NFL Draft projections.

Running back Rocket Sanders and cornerback O’Donnell Fortune have been in virtually every mock draft. Tight end Josh Simon and defensive lineman Tonka Hemingway also have been popular late-round picks. If those eight players hear their names called this April (or even if another Gamecock or two sneak into the back parts of the draft), the record will fall.

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