Toledo does not have the longest history of first-round picks in the NFL Draft. In its 109 seasons, Toledo has produced just two first-round picks: Dan Williams (11th overall in 1993 to the Denver Broncos) and Quinyon Mitchell (22nd overall in 2024 to the Philadelphia Eagles). Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has the opportunity to join that prestigious group this year. A three-year starter for the Rockets, McNeil-Warren has been on the NFL radar for quite some time. After a solid senior season, he is one of the borderline first-round prospects in this year’s class. Could a team pick the hard-hitting safety on the first night?
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2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
Measurables
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 201 pounds
Arms: 32.13″
Hands: 9.25″
40-yard: 4.52
Vertical: 35.50
Broad jump: 10’2″
RAS: 9.00
School: Toledo
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren NFL Draft Overview
Initially a three-star recruit out of Tampa Bay, Florida, McNeil-Warren picked Toledo despite earning offers from Indiana, Kansas State, Maryland, and Miami (FL). He was the second-highest-rated recruit for the Rockets that year. As a true freshman, McNeil-Warren appeared in 13 games (with one start) for Toledo, recording seven tackles and forcing one fumble.
Then, as a sophomore in 2023, he took over as a starting safety for all 14 games. He broke out with 49 tackles, four tackles for loss, three pass breakups, two interceptions, and a whopping four forced fumbles. He led the MAC in forced fumbles and was tied for third in the nation. Two of those came in the Arizona Bowl loss to Wyoming.
The injury bug bit McNeil-Warren in 2024, causing him to miss five games. Even then, he recorded 61 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, half of a sack, five pass breakups, one interception, and one forced fumble for the Rockets.
Then, he got back to form in 2025. He had a career year with 77 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, half of a sack, five pass breakups, two interceptions (one pick six vs. Western Kentucky), three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. For his efforts, McNeil-Warren earned first-team All-MAC and second-team All-American by the Sporting News and FWAA.
Strengths
Serious thumper, would be the reason receivers think twice about coming over the middle
Larger than average safety, but uses size well
Good anticipation when playing off
Can attack run lanes and is more than willing to deliver a hit in the hole
Creates chaos at the point of attack. He didn’t punch out nine fumbles and force five interceptions by accident
Has experience in multiple roles at safety
Weaknesses
Lacks the long speed to keep up with elite receivers
Can get a bit too eager in run defense and will overrun lanes
Not likely a deep free safety at the NFL level
Footwork could use refining
Not the best open-field tackler, can lunge and go for the killshot rather than wrap up
Projection: Late First/Early Second-Round Pick
Best Fits: Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Chargers
Bottom Line on Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
There are three safeties who have first-round grades from the overwhelming majority of draft experts. While McNeil-Warren may not be a top-20 pick, that late first-round range would be a great spot for him.
McNeil-Warren has all of the traits of a top-end strong safety. He has an impressive trigger in run defense and uses his size well to separate the ball from the ballcarriers.
He has some drawbacks to his game, of course. He’s not quite as fluid or quick to be the one-high deep safety. Plus, he’s vulnerable to letting up big plays against quick slot receivers. However, one-on-one against tight ends could be a strength.
If a team is looking for a hard-hitting, downhill safety who has the fire and ability to turn a game on its head with a well-timed forced fumble, McNeil-Warren is the guy.
If you’re into IDP fantasy football, he could be a steal in your rookie draft. He projects to be a high-tackle safety with plenty of turnover-forcing potential.