Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren Impresses NFL Draft Analysts

Scouts praise the safety's athleticism, physicality, and ball skills ahead of the NFL Combine

Feb. 22, 2026 at 7:34pm

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Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, a senior safety from the University of Toledo, is generating significant buzz among NFL draft analysts leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft. At 6'2" and 202 lbs, McNeil-Warren is described as an athletic, fast, and physical player who excels at making plays around the line of scrimmage. He is projected as a late first or second-round pick, with some analysts comparing his style of play to Pro Bowler Derwin James of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Why it matters

McNeil-Warren's strong performance in 2025 has put him on the radar of NFL teams looking to bolster their secondary. As a safety, he represents a position that has historically been devalued in the draft, but analysts believe he has the potential to be a game-changing player at the next level, similar to how Seattle Seahawks rookie Nick Emmanwori made an impact last season.

The details

In 2025, McNeil-Warren was second on Toledo's defense in total tackles (77) and also recorded 5.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah praised McNeil-Warren's ball skills and physicality, while The Draft Network's Justin Melo said he has the ability to transform an NFL defense. ESPN's Matt Miller noted McNeil-Warren's occasional tendency to play too fast, but believes he can showcase his vertical speed and agility at the NFL Combine this week.

  • In 2025, McNeil-Warren was second on the nation's No. 3 overall defense in total tackles (77).
  • McNeil-Warren will participate in the on-field drills at the NFL Combine this Friday with the defensive backs.

The players

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

A 6'2", 202-pound senior safety from the University of Toledo who is projected as a late first or second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Daniel Jeremiah

An NFL Network analyst who praised McNeil-Warren's ball skills and physicality, comparing his style of play to that of Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James.

Justin Melo

An analyst for The Draft Network who believes McNeil-Warren has the ability to transform an NFL defense at the next level.

Matt Miller

An ESPN NFL Draft analyst who noted McNeil-Warren's occasional tendency to play too fast, but believes he can showcase his vertical speed and agility at the NFL Combine.

Nick Emmanwori

A Seattle Seahawks rookie safety whose successful 2025 season has changed the narrative around the value of the safety position in the NFL draft.

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What they’re saying

“He's a little bit of that bigger, longer rangier guy who has incredible ball skills. He can play in the middle of the field, he's got a real presence and physicality over the middle, and he just pulls the trigger and plays really fast.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network Analyst

“The Rockets have another prospect worth drafting highly. McNeil-Warren thrives as a box safety, he's a physical tone setter who loves tackling and making plays around the line of scrimmage.”

— Justin Melo, Analyst, The Draft Network

“I think the NFL is a copycat league, so everyone is going to look at what Nick Emmanwori meant for the Seattle Seahawks defense and say, 'There's our version of that' and 'This could be that guy for us.'”

— Matt Miller, ESPN NFL Draft Analyst

What’s next

McNeil-Warren along with Toledo cornerbacks Andre Fuller and Avery Smith will participate in the on-field drills at the NFL Combine this Friday.

The takeaway

McNeil-Warren's impressive college production and the recent success of safeties like Nick Emmanwori have NFL teams taking a closer look at the position. If he can showcase his athleticism and ball skills at the Combine, McNeil-Warren could solidify his status as a high draft pick and potentially transform an NFL defense, just as analysts have predicted.