Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren Expected to Elevate NFL Draft Stock

The safety is projected to be a first-round pick for the Chicago Bears in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, a safety from the University of Toledo, is expected to elevate the Rockets' NFL Draft prospects in 2026 after a standout college career. According to reports, McNeil-Warren is projected to be a first-round pick for the Chicago Bears with the No. 25 overall selection.

Why it matters

McNeil-Warren's potential first-round selection would continue Toledo's recent success in producing NFL talent, following in the footsteps of former Rockets player Quinyon Mitchell, who was a first-round pick in 2024 and helped the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl as a rookie starter.

The details

In 48 games at Toledo, McNeil-Warren made 214 tackles, picked off five passes, and forced nine fumbles. At 6'2" and 209 pounds, he brings a commanding physical presence and a knack for creating turnovers. Analysts praise his instincts, timing, and fluid coverage skills despite his size.

  • McNeil-Warren is expected to enter the 2026 NFL Draft after his senior season at Toledo.

The players

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

A safety at the University of Toledo who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Quinyon Mitchell

A former Toledo player who was a first-round pick in 2024 and helped the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl as a rookie starter.

Jason Candle

The former head coach of the Toledo Rockets who left the program to accept a job at the University of Connecticut.

Mike Jacobs

The new head coach of the Toledo Rockets, who previously served as the head coach at Mercer.

Cris Reisert

The offensive coordinator for the Toledo Rockets under new head coach Mike Jacobs.

Andrew Zock

A pass-rusher who won the 2025 Buck Buchanan Award as the best defensive player in the FCS and will join the Toledo Rockets under the new coaching staff.

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What they’re saying

“Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is positioned to become the first lower-conference player selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, and for good reason. A natural ball-hawk, McNeil-Warren created turnovers with authority at Toledo, forcing eight fumbles and recording five interceptions.”

— Alec Elijah, PFSN writer (profootballnetwork.com)

What’s next

The new Toledo coaching staff, led by head coach Mike Jacobs, will look to continue the program's recent success in producing NFL talent as they transition to a more zone-read offense and aggressive defense under new coordinator Andrew Zock.

The takeaway

McNeil-Warren's potential first-round selection would cement Toledo's status as a viable talent-producing school, following in the footsteps of former Rockets standout Quinyon Mitchell. The program's ability to develop NFL-caliber players will be tested under the new coaching regime, but McNeil-Warren's draft stock suggests the Rockets remain a program to watch for pro prospects.