Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

NFL Draft Profile: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

Position: Safety | School: Toledo | Class: Senior

Height: 6'2" | Weight: 202 lbs | Archetype: Strong Safety / Hybrid

College Career Summary

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a rare "loyalist" in the transfer portal era, opting to finish his four-year career at Toledo rather than jumping to a Power Five program. After a quiet freshman year in 2022, he burst onto the scene in 2023 with 69 tackles and 4 forced fumbles. Despite an injury that cost him five games in 2024, he remained a high-impact player, setting the stage for a historic 2025 season.

In his final year, McNeil-Warren became just the fourth Rocket in program history to be named to at least three major All-America teams (AP, Sporting News, FWAA). He was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award and named the PFF Group of Five Defensive Player of the Year. Known for his "ball-magnet" ability, he finished his career as one of the most prolific turnover-creators in the MAC, totaling over 210 tackles, 8 forced fumbles, and 5 interceptions.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 40+ (13 in 2025)

• Total Tackles: 214 (77 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 10.0 (5.5 in 2025)

• Sacks: 0.5 (All in 2025)

• Interceptions: 5 (2 in 2025; one returned for a TD)

• Forced Fumbles: 8 (3 in 2025)

• Pass Breakups (PD): 12 (5 in 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
@ Kentucky	8 Tkl, 1 FF, 1 FR	A	Mental Toughness. Dominant against SEC competition.
vs. W. Kentucky	1 INT (TD), 1 FR	A+	Star Impact. Game-changing 37-yard pick-six.
vs. Morgan State	3 Tkl	B	Controlled the backend in a 60-0 blowout.
@ W. Michigan	7 Tkl, 2 FF	A	Hit Power. Single-handedly kept the game close.
vs. Akron	4 Tkl	B+	Disciplined zone coverage; allowed zero completions.
@ Bowling Green	6 Tkl	B-	Weakness. Struggled with angles on one long TD run.
vs. Kent State	5 Tkl	B+	Solid run support; high effort in pursuit.
@ Wash. State	4 Tkl	B	Stamina. High snap count against a pass-heavy offense.
vs. N. Illinois	6 Tkl, 1 PD	A-	Play Recognition. Clinical in diagnosing the run.
@ Miami (OH)	7 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	Leadership. Directed a secondary that allowed only 3 pts.
vs. Ball State	5 Tkl	B	Standard efficient performance.
@ C. Michigan	8 Tkl, 2 PD	A	High Motor. Everywhere on the field in a division clincher.
vs. Louisville	6 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	Competitor. Played physical against NFL-caliber WRs.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Turnover Creation: His ability to punch the ball loose (8 career forced fumbles) is among the best in the 2026 class. He has an uncanny "nose for the ball."

• Prototypical Size: At 6'2" and 202 lbs, he meets every NFL physical threshold. He looks the part of a modern "big nickel" or strong safety.

• Sure-Handed Tackler: He is a reliable wrap-up finisher who rarely misses in the open field. He led all MAC defensive backs in solo tackles over the last two seasons.

• Versatility: Has significant experience playing in the box, as a deep safety, and covering tight ends in the slot.

Weaknesses

• Elite Speed: He likely won't be a 4.3 burner. While his 10-yard split is good, he can be caught from behind by world-class vertical speed.

• Small-School Label: Despite his All-American status, some scouts will question his consistency against non-MAC competition (though his Kentucky tape answers much of this).

• Slender Build: While tall, he is somewhat lean. He will need to add functional mass to withstand 17 games of NFL run support in the box.

Scheme Fit: Ideal Strong Safety in a Cover 3 or Big Nickel role (e.g., Chiefs, Jets, or 49ers).

NFL Comparison: Kevin Byard (Bears/Titans)

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 20/20 | Physical Tools: 18/20 | Attributes: 18/20 | Athleticism: 17/20 | IQ: 18/20

Final Grade: 91/100

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is the "Day 2 Sleeper" that every NFL GM falls in love with. He is a high-IQ, high-character leader who plays with a violent edge. His production is undeniable, and his ability to force turnovers is a translatable skill that changes games. While he might not have the "generational" hype of Caleb Downs, he is a ready-made NFL starter who will likely be a Pro Bowl candidate by his second season.

Draft Projection: 2nd Round (Top 50)