Emmanuel McNeil-Warren 2026 NFL Draft: scouting report for Toledo, safety

Here is a 2026 NFL Draft scouting report on Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.

Rob Gregson — NFL News Writer
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Dec 23, 2025; Boca Raton, FL, USA; Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7) celebrates a third down stop against the Louisville Cardinals during the third quarter of the Boca Raton Bowl at Flagler CU Stadium.
Jeff Romance-Imagn Images

Height: 6-2
Weight: 202
Year: Senior
Pro Comparison: Derwin James

2026 NFL Combine Results

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo, safety

  • Hand Size: N/A
  • Arm Length: N/A
  • 40-Yard Dash: N/A
  • Vertical Leap: N/A
  • Broad Jump: N/A
  • 20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
  • 3-Cone: N/A

Pros of Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

  • Plays like he has rocket boosters (no pun intended) attached to his legs. All gas, all the time, arriving at the point of contact with bad intentions.
  • Turnover magnet. Nine career forced fumbles and five career interceptions.
  • Elite range. Covers grass with long strides to make plays on the ball or track down ball carriers from disadvantageous angles.

Cons of Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

  • Man coverage. Not a ton of utility as someone who can man up wide receivers and tight ends.
  • Triggers downhill with reckless abandon at times. Will need to take smarter paths to the ball and watch his tackling angles.
  • Footwork feels rushed and uneven. Can become panicky in coverage scenarios. Would like to see him trust his pedal more.

Background

A three star recruit from Tampa, Florida, McNeil-Warren is the latest in what is becoming a growing line of Toledo Rocket defensive backs to head to the NFL. After playing sparingly in his freshman campaign in 2022, Warren burst onto the scene in 2023 with four forced fumbles, 68 tackles, and two interceptions. He saved his best for last, however, wrapping the 2025 season as a semifinalist for the Thorpe award as the best defensive back in the country.

Player Evaluation

There is a lot to like about McNeil-Warren. Length, explosiveness, downhill trigger, and range are all over his tape, proving he is perfect for a quarters and cover three scheme. He will attack ball carriers as he flies across the field, and he is a true centerfielder with arguably the best range in the class when asked to patrol the middle third of the gridiron. He has some shakiness in the man-coverage and footwork department, but he will play a valuable role at the next level.

A to Z Rankings

A to Z Big Board Ranking: 40

A to Z Draft Grade: 7.95 (Early Day 2).

Draft projection: Late 1st, early 2nd round.

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