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Cowboys Eyeing Massive Safety Prospect for First-Round Draft Pick
Dallas is bringing in Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren for a pre-draft visit as they look to bolster their defense.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:33pm
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A cubist interpretation of a hard-hitting safety prospect's physicality and impact on the game.Dallas TodayThe Dallas Cowboys are hosting Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, a potential first-round draft pick, for a pre-draft visit as they look to address their defensive needs ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. McNeil-Warren, a 6-foot-4, 209-pound enforcer, is known for his hard-hitting play in run support and ability to cover tight ends, making him an ideal fit for the Cowboys' defense.
Why it matters
The Cowboys' defense was a major weakness last season, leading to their failure to make the playoffs. By hosting McNeil-Warren, a versatile safety prospect with a physical playing style, Dallas is signaling their intent to prioritize defense in the upcoming draft and improve a unit that has been a liability.
The details
McNeil-Warren, who revealed the upcoming meeting with the Cowboys in an interview, is coming off a college career at Toledo where he tallied 9 forced fumbles and 5 interceptions. While he is capable of playing some free safety, his best work comes in the box, where he is a hard hitter and a menace against the run. The Cowboys, who hold the 20th overall pick, could select McNeil-Warren late in the first round to bolster their defense.
- The 2026 NFL Draft is just weeks away.
The players
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
A 6-foot-4, 209-pound safety prospect from the University of Toledo, known for his physical play in run support and ability to cover tight ends.
Dallas Cowboys
An NFL team based in Dallas, Texas that is looking to improve its defense in the 2026 NFL Draft after missing the playoffs last season.
What they’re saying
“I have one (meeting) coming up with the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys.”
— Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
“Long, downhill safety capable of bolstering a team's run defense and playing enforcer over the middle. McNeil-Warren is most valuable when playing near the line of scrimmage or in robber positioning. He anticipates well in coverage and is quick to close on receivers but will need to be protected by scheme to prevent speed mismatches.”
— Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
What’s next
The Cowboys will host McNeil-Warren for a pre-draft visit in the coming weeks as they evaluate him as a potential first-round selection.
The takeaway
By hosting a visit with the versatile and physical safety prospect Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, the Dallas Cowboys are signaling their intent to prioritize defense in the 2026 NFL Draft as they look to improve a unit that was a major weakness last season.
