Emmanuel McNeil-Warren Draft Grade | Round 2, Pick 26 | FanVerdicts

A+

Top 3%Pick Grade

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Position

S · Standard Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #26 · 1st Round Talent

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren emerged as one of the MAC's premier defensive backs through three dominant seasons at Toledo, transforming from a raw athlete into a polished safety prospect. His combination of elite range, instinctive ball skills, and violent run support made him the anchor of Toledo's secondary. McNeil-Warren's draft stock skyrocketed after a stellar 2025 campaign where he intercepted seven passes and earned MAC Defensive Player of the Year honors. What separates him is his rare blend of centerfield coverage ability and box safety physicality - he can erase deep threats while also coming downhill to punish running backs and tight ends. Some concerns exist about his tackling consistency in space and occasional over-aggression leading to missed assignments.

Strengths

+Exceptional range and closing speed allows him to cover massive amounts of ground in single-high coverage, consistently arriving to contest passes 20+ yards downfield.

+Elite ball skills with natural hands and timing to high-point interceptions; shows quarterback-like anticipation reading route concepts and breaking on throws.

+Violent and aggressive run supporter who attacks downhill with bad intentions, delivering punishing hits on running backs and receivers crossing the formation.

+Advanced football IQ with ability to diagnose plays pre-snap and communicate coverage adjustments to teammates, serving as the quarterback of Toledo's secondary.

+Fluid hips and smooth backpedal technique allow him to transition seamlessly from coverage to coverage, whether playing deep third or rotating into the box.

+Physical press coverage skills against slot receivers and tight ends, using his length and hand placement to disrupt timing routes at the line of scrimmage.

+Excellent pursuit angles and motor to chase down plays across the field, rarely giving up on a play even when initially out of position.

+Natural leadership qualities with vocal presence and ability to elevate teammates' play through example and communication.

+Versatile skill set allows deployment in multiple roles - single-high free safety, strong safety in the box, nickel coverage, and even some edge rusher packages.

+Outstanding ball production with consistent hands and concentration to secure interceptions in traffic and contested situations.

+Special teams excellence as both a coverage specialist and returner, showing the speed and physicality to contribute immediately in all phases.

NFL Comparison: Kevin Byard

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Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

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Scouting Report

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