Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren Emerges as Top Non-Power Four NFL Draft Prospect

The 6-foot-4 safety is projected as a first or second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:22am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in mid-air making an interception, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color.A cubist interpretation of a Toledo safety's game-changing interception highlights the unique talent that can emerge from outside the Power Five conferences.Today in Tampa

Despite the dominance of Power Five conference players in the NFL Draft, ESPN's Field Yates has identified Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren as the lone non-Power Four prospect ranked in the top 100 for the 2026 draft. McNeil-Warren, a 6-foot-4 ballhawk with 12 pass breakups and 5 interceptions over the past 3 seasons, is projected as a potential first or second-round selection.

Why it matters

The success of small-school prospects like Cooper Kupp and Tony Romo shows that elite talent can come from outside the Power Five, and McNeil-Warren's inclusion in the top 100 rankings highlights the importance of scouting beyond the major conferences. His unique size and playmaking ability at the safety position could make him a valuable addition to an NFL secondary.

The details

McNeil-Warren, a former three-star recruit from Tampa, Florida, was just the second Toledo player in the past 18 years to be named to the AP All-America team, joining Quinyon Mitchell who was selected 22nd overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022. While McNeil-Warren ran a 4.52 40-yard dash, his 6-foot-4, 201-pound frame makes him an intriguing free safety prospect with the range to be an 'impact center fielder' in the NFL.

  • McNeil-Warren has been a standout player for Toledo over the past 3 seasons.

The players

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

A 6-foot-4, 201-pound safety from the University of Toledo, McNeil-Warren is ranked as the 30th overall prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft by ESPN's Field Yates.

Quinyon Mitchell

The former Toledo player was an AP All-American in 2022 and 2023 before being selected 22nd overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Field Yates

An ESPN analyst who has ranked McNeil-Warren as the 30th overall prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Mel Kiper Jr.

The longtime ESPN NFL Draft analyst who has projected McNeil-Warren to be selected 19th overall by the Carolina Panthers.

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What they’re saying

“The hallmark of his skill set is his ability to neutralize big plays. McNeil-Warren had 12 pass breakups and five interceptions over the past three seasons.”

— Field Yates, ESPN Analyst

“He isn't a thumper getting downhill in the running game, but he can be an impact center fielder with his range.”

— Field Yates, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

McNeil-Warren will look to impress scouts at the 2026 NFL Combine in order to solidify his status as a potential first or second-round draft pick.

The takeaway

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren's inclusion in the top 100 prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft shows that elite talent can come from outside the Power Five conferences. His unique size and playmaking ability at the safety position make him an intriguing prospect who could provide value to an NFL secondary.