Seahawks' top 2026 breakout candidate is a DB who could become best in NFL

The Seattle Seahawks are coming off a Super Bowl 60 title win, and while they lose a lot of players in free agency, like Kenneth Walker, Riq Woolen, Coby Bryant, and Boye Mafe, the team is still in great shape.

If there were one spot to worry a bit more than others, it would be the defensive backfield. They lost two good players, and while Josh Jobe returned and Bud Clark isn't a bad draft choice, the DB room might be a little shaky.

However, CBS Sports' Zachary Pereles named Seahawks defensive back Nick Emmanwori as the team's top breakout candidate this upcoming season. And Emmanwori has a chance to become the best in the NFL at the nickel position this upcoming season.

Seahawks' Nick Emmanwori is top breakout candidate for 2026 season

"The Defensive Rookie of the Year runner-up played significant snaps as a box safety, nickel corner, and even along the defensive line. He added big-time physicality and athleticism everywhere he went," Pereles writes. "... But Emmanwori has all the tools to be an absolute star for Mike Macdonald."

Looking at this Seahawks roster, it's not easy finding players who could have a breakout season that haven't already proven their stardom in the NFL yet, and also have a realistic chance to become a star.

That's why Emmanwori, after a promising rookie year that could already be considered a breakout season, might only be scratching the surface of his stardom.

MORE: Seahawks’ Nick Emmanwori can be an All-Pro if he plays better in pass coverage

Emmanwori could break out this season and become the unquestioned best nickel defensive back in the entire NFL.

Philadelphia Eagles' Cooper DeJean has a strong case right now, but a breakout season from the Seahawks DB, and Emmanwori can lay claim to that title.

Mike Macdonald's defense should be great once again in 2026, and if the 2025 second-rounder makes another jump, he could become an All-Pro and one of the best defensive backs in the entire NFL without much question.

While Emmanwori might've already "broken out" last year as a good player in the NFL, he could break out further, becoming one of the best DBs, let alone the best nickel, in the entire NFL with another strong season.

More NFL news:

• Stefon Diggs linked to Rams, Chiefs, Commanders after Patriots release
• Harold Fannin Jr. will need to prove his worth in Todd Monken’s Browns offense
• Bengals fans should worry about second-year linebackers in 2026
• Bears need Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland to step up with DJ Moore traded
• ESPN analyst says if Cade Klubnik gets on the field for Jets it would mean something went wrong