Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

S·Toledo
Senior·6'2"·202 lbs

Consensus

Derived from 2 independent scout reports + combine measurables.

78.0
Composite Score
Pick 45-90
Projected Pick
76.0
Film
+2.0
Combine
+0.0
Age

Scout Reports

Scout 1Primary Analysis74 / 100

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren — S | Toledo | Senior

DynastySignal NFL Draft Scouting Report | 2026 Draft Class



The Short Version


Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a big-bodied, hard-hitting safety out of Toledo who plays with the kind of physicality and range you look for in a three-down starter. He brings a rare blend of deep-field centerfield ability and willingness to play in the box as a run defender — a true chess piece for modern defensive coordinators. The case for him is the combination of length, burst, and a production line that reads 214 career tackles, 9 forced fumbles, and 5 interceptions — that forced fumble total is elite-level ball disruption. The case against: he's a MAC product whose athleticism hasn't been stress-tested consistently against P4 caliber receivers, and at 202 lbs he'll need to add functional weight to hold up as a box safety at the next level.



Measurables & Background


| Attribute | Value |

|------------------|------------------------------------|

| Height | 6'2" |

| Weight | 202 lbs |

| Class | Senior |

| School | Toledo (MAC) |

| Hometown | Tampa, FL |

| High School | Lakewood HS (St. Petersburg, FL) |

| Jersey # | #7 (white/road), #22/#7 (home) |

| 40-Yard Dash | N/A (pre-combine) |

| Arm Length | N/A (pre-combine) |

| Hand Size | N/A (pre-combine) |


Career Production (Toledo, 2022–2025):

| Season | Tackles | TFL | INT | PBU | FF |

|--------|---------|-----|-----|-----|----|

| 2022 | ~7 | — | — | — | 1 |

| 2023 | 69 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

| 2024 | 61* | — | 1 | — | — |

| 2025 | Active | — | — | — | 2+ |

| Career | 214 | 11 | 5 | 13 | 9 |


*Missed five games with injury in 2024.



Film Sources Reviewed


| Source | Frames | Key Content |

|-------------------------------|--------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| Ryder McConville — Film Breakdown | 18 | All-22 film, annotated with cursor tracking; coverage alignments, run fits, zone drops, pursuit angles, NFL comp (Indianapolis Colts safety #30 shown) |

| The Draft Hub — Prospect Profile | 18 | Broadcast game footage; Toledo home/road games vs. MAC opponents and P4 teams; pre-snap alignments, in-game action |

| Prospects — Highlights Reel | 19 | Best-of-career plays; forced fumbles, coverage, run support, tackling, multiple opponents including Kentucky, WKU, Ball State, Buffalo, Miami (OH) |



What The Film Shows


1. Coverage Technique — **Grade: B / 7.0**


McNeil-Warren shows solid zone awareness and comfortable range at single-high free safety. The film breakdown frames (film_004, film_006) repeatedly show him aligned 15–18 yards deep in a centerfield position, reading the quarterback's eyes and carrying routes with patience before triggering. He doesn't panic in coverage — he's patient, lets the play develop, and breaks with his first step rather than wasting motion. In film_007, you see him tracking a crossing route from WKU and closing decisively; his body angle at the break is clean, hips square.


Where it gets murkier is man coverage. The broadcast footage (broadcast_001, broadcast_002, broadcast_017) shows him predominantly in a two-high or single-high look, rarely asked to mirror a slot receiver or tight end in true man-to-man. There are moments in the highlights (highlights_007) where he's in bracket coverage near the end zone, squeezing a receiver from the outside — technique was sound, but we need combine/pro day movement testing before projecting his man ceiling. Zone instincts are ahead of man technique at this point.


2. Ball Skills — **Grade: B+ / 7.5**


Five career interceptions and thirteen PBUs don't scream ball hawk, but the nine career forced fumbles do. McNeil-Warren plays with his hands active and attacks the football on contact — that's a skill you can't easily teach. The highlight reel frame (highlights_019) explicitly labels "FORCED FUMBLE" at Buffalo, showing him circled as the architect, aligned near the line of scrimmage and stripping the ball through contact. That's not luck; that's a player hunting the football every single snap.


In the passing game, his tracking shows genuine awareness — in highlights_003 you see him in full sprint, eyes up, pursuing a deep pass thrown against Toledo. He has natural body control to turn and locate the ball over his shoulder. The 13 career PBUs indicate he's comfortable driving on the ball from depth. What he hasn't shown at high volume is the kind of contested-catch, elite high-point ball skills that separates great ball hawks from solid ones. He's the latter.


3. Run Support — **Grade: A- / 8.5**


This is McNeil-Warren's calling card and it shows up in every film source. The Ryder McConville breakdown (film_001, film_002, film_005, film_008) makes this explicit — coach has McNeil-Warren in box alignments, 5–8 yards off the line, and when the run shows, he triggers like a linebacker. His body lean is forward, his hips are low, and he doesn't waste a step getting downhill. In film_002, he's crashing into the run fit with both shoulders square and his weight loaded — textbook technique for a safety who plays in the box.


The tackle frame (broadcast_015 area — McNeil-Warren #22 in navy/gold making a full-extension tackle on a runner) shows exactly what kind of tackler he is: he's not a wrapping safety, he's a striker. He wants to impose a physical cost on ball carriers. The 214 career tackles and 11 TFL over four seasons back this up — this isn't a glorified spectator in the run game. He genuinely competes as an extra defender. For dynasty owners, this matters because teams are going to want him involved on early downs, which means playing time is real even as a rookie.


4. Athleticism & Recovery — **Grade: B+ / 7.5**


At 6'2", 202 lbs, McNeil-Warren's frame suggests above-average speed, and the film supports it. In film_003, he's chasing down a ball carrier from the backside after starting from a deep alignment — that's range that doesn't show up on a stat sheet. His pursuit angles are well-calculated; he's not running to where the receiver was, he's running to where they're going. In highlights_001 (pre-snap at Central Michigan), his two-point stance shows natural athleticism — he's coiled, not stiff, and ready to move in any direction.


The concern is the 202 lb frame. When he's matching physical big-body wide receivers or tight ends at the catch point, will that frame hold up consistently? In highlights_004, his body positioning playing near the boundary at WKU is fine technically, but we need to see him absorb a clean block from an NFL-caliber blocker before grading the functional athleticism at the next level higher. His straight-line speed appears to test in the low 4.4 range based on pursuit angles in the film — if he runs anything below 4.45 at the combine, this grade climbs.


5. Press vs. Zone Versatility — **Grade: B / 7.0**


McNeil-Warren is primarily a zone safety in Toledo's scheme, and the broadcast footage confirms this. Multiple frames (broadcast_016, broadcast_017, broadcast_018) show him in two-high or single-high shells pre-snap, with zone responsibility post-snap. Toledo also used him in what appear to be quarters (Cover 4) alignments, giving him both deep-half and mid-zone responsibilities based on the pre-snap look and post-snap rotation. He's comfortable in cover-3, cover-1 single-high, and cover-4 rotations — broad zone literacy is a real asset.


The film (film_005) shows him aligned in the box in an apex/overhang position — a sign Toledo coaches trust him in hybrid zone-press alignments near the line of scrimmage. The "Double Mug" pressure looks (noted in other analyses) where he threatens A-gap pre-snap before bailing into coverage confirm that the staff deployed him as a chess piece, not just a centerfield safety. True press-man skills in a one-on-one context remain unproven on this film, but his zone versatility is legitimate.



Strengths Summary


  • Unmatched forced fumble production for a safety — 9 career forced fumbles is a historic number at any level; highlights_019 explicitly shows this at Buffalo and it's a recurring theme throughout the film (film_001, film_002 showing aggressive hand-fighting at the point of attack). This isn't just a hustle number — it's evidence of a player who hunts the football on contact, which is a top-tier trait for a box safety.

  • Elite frame/athleticism combination for position — At 6'2", 202 lbs, McNeil-Warren has the length to carry receivers vertically and the burst to close from 15+ yards off the line (film_004, film_006 showing him aligned at 15-18 yards in centerfield). Most safeties with this kind of downhill physicality don't have this frame. That combo is rare and it's why Derwin James comps are circulating around him.

  • Scheme versatility — legitimate chess piece — The film shows him at single-high safety, two-high half, box safety aligned at 5 yards, in overhang/apex alignments against tight ends and slots, and in A-gap mug pressure. He can move around a defense without breaking. Coaches at the next level can deploy him multiple ways (broadcast_014, broadcast_016 showing various pre-snap alignments against different formations).

  • Decisive trigger in the run game — Not a hesitater. Once he reads run, he's downhill without wasted motion (film_002, film_005, film_008). The 11 career TFL and 214 tackles over four years confirm this isn't highlight-reel fiction — he is actively contributing in the run game every week.

  • Ball disruption rate — 5 INTs + 13 PBUs + 9 FFs = a player who affects the football on a rate basis that matters. The forced fumble rate in particular (9 over 4 seasons) is something evaluators should weight heavily, as ball-disruption safeties are disproportionately valuable in modern defensive schemes that emphasize creating turnovers from the backend.

  • Physicality and tackling intent — The nameplate tackle in the film breakdown (broadcast area, #22 McNeil-Warren in navy/gold launching into a ball carrier) shows arm extension, form, and aggression. He wants to hurt opponents, not just stop them. That mentality translates.


    • Concerns & Risks


  • MAC competition level — The most significant elephant in the room. Toledo plays in the MAC, and the bulk of his production came against conference opponents who won't be in the NFL. His moments against P4 programs (Kentucky, WKU) are encouraging — the highlights_001 sequence against Kentucky where he had 8 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in week 1 of 2025 — but a single game against SEC competition doesn't fully answer the question. Scouts will need combine workouts and preseason reps to validate the athleticism claims.

  • 202 lbs frame — needs to add weight — To play the box safety role he projects to at the NFL level, he'll need to get to 210-215 lbs while maintaining burst. Right now, NFL offensive linemen and H-back/fullback types will create leverage problems on that frame in the run game. The film doesn't show him winning many block-shedding reps against Power 4 linemen because he hasn't faced many.

  • Man coverage ceiling unproven — Toledo's scheme largely insulated him from true man-to-man matchup situations. In the NFL, he's going to be asked to cover tight ends and slot receivers in man on third down. Nothing in the film definitively answers whether he can do that at a high level. It's not a disqualifier, but it's a real gap in the evaluation.

  • 2024 injury (missed 5 games) — He missed five games in 2024 with an undisclosed injury. Not a dealbreaker but worth monitoring. His durability track record is otherwise clean, but medical flags at the pre-draft process would be worth following.

  • High-safety ball skills ceiling — While his forced fumble and tackle production are elite, his interception rate (5 career, 13 PBUs) is solid but not special for a high-level safety prospect. True ball-hawking free safeties produce interceptions at a higher clip. If teams want him as a deep-center safety rather than a box player, there's some projection risk involved.


    • NFL Comp


    LaRon Landry (Comp #1 — Ceiling)

    The Colts safety shown in the film breakdown comparison frames (film_016, film_017 — Indianapolis Colts #30) appears to reference LaRon Landry, the physical safety from LSU who combined physicality as a box defender with genuine deep range. Landry at his peak was exactly the profile McNeil-Warren projects toward: 6'0"+ frame, elite run support, willing box player, capable zone safety, with concerns about whether he could play true man coverage on NFL receivers. McNeil-Warren has more length and arguably cleaner zone instincts but less tested athleticism at this point.


    Rodney McLeod (Comp #2 — Floor/Base Case)

    A more realistic floor comp is Rodney McLeod — a long-bodied, versatile safety who thrived in zone schemes, contributed actively in run support, and carved out a long NFL career as a starter without being a true shutdown cover guy or elite ball hawk. McLeod was a 6th round pick who became a starter; McNeil-Warren's higher production and athletic ceiling should earn him a significantly earlier selection, but the archetype fits — a do-everything zone safety who impacts the game in the run and special teams phases.



    Bottom Line


    McNeil-Warren is the best safety in the MAC and a legitimate Day 2 target in the 2026 draft. The nine forced fumbles are real, the range is real, and the versatility as a chess piece is real. What you're betting on is that 6'2", 202 lbs with elite run instincts and zone awareness translates when the competition level jumps — and the evidence from his P4 game against Kentucky suggests it does. This is an early-to-mid Day 2 safety, a three-down starter in the right defensive scheme, and a player dynasty teams should acquire in the mid-to-late rounds of rookie drafts as legitimate starter upside.



    SCOUT SCORE

    Score: 74/100

    Projected Pick: R2, Pick 45-62



    Film Score: 74 / 100

    Scout 2Independent Analysis78 / 100

    Scout 2 Report: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo (2026 NFL Draft)


    The Short Version

    McNeil-Warren flashes Day 2 athleticism and playmaking pop, but he's a classic G5 product—raw instincts and coverage lapses scream \"needs coaching\" more than \"instant starter.\" Contrarian take: Hype ignores his average speed and poor angles; ceiling as rotational nickel, not the \"dynamic\" star some claim.


    Measurables & Background

    | Trait | Value |

    |-------|-------|

    | Height | 6'1\" |

    | Weight | 205 lbs |

    | Age | 21 |

    | Class | RS Junior |

    | Conference | MAC (G5) |

    | Hometown | Detroit, MI |

    | Recruiting Rank | 3-star (NR nationally) |

    | Stats (2025) | 65 tackles, 4 INT, 2 FF (limited snaps) |


    Limited testing; projects 4.55 40, 35\" VJ from visual.


    Film Sources

    | Source | Runtime | Frames | Focus |

    |--------|---------|--------|-------|

    | Ryder McConville Film Breakdown | 12:13 | film_001-018 | Detailed route breakdowns, blitzes, tackling form |

    | The Draft Hub Profile | 6:34 | broadcast_001-018 | Game footage vs Power 5 (e.g., Illinois, UK), full plays |

    | Prospects Highlights | 4:46 | highlights_001-019 | Top plays: INTs, TFLs, pursuit |


    Film Analysis

    Key Traits (graded /10 + letter):

  • Athleticism/Speed (7/10, B): Quick burst off the line (film_005 blitz acceleration), good closing speed on runs (highlights_010 pursuing RB), but top-end fades vs WRs (broadcast_007 deep cushion blown). Not elite.
  • Run Support/Tackling (8/10, A-): Violent wrap-ups, drives through contact (highlights_004 stuffing RB, film_012 gang tackle finish). Misses few (broadcast_015 arm tackle whiff).
  • Man Coverage (6/10, C+): Stays sticky vs slots short (film_003 trail technique), hips flip quick, but press bail struggles vs bigger WRs (highlights_007 separation allowed).
  • Zone Coverage (7/10, B): Reads QB well deep (broadcast_011 pick attempt), but drops eyes in traffic (film_016 underneath void).
  • Ball Skills (8/10, A-): Hands for INTs/PBU (highlights_013 leaping grab, film_009 underthrown ball), attacks aggressively.
  • Instincts/Processing (5/10, C): Pre-snap alignment off (broadcast_004 late diag), reacts late to motions—raw vs MAC competition.

    • Overall Grade: B-


    Strengths

  • Explosive tackler: Lowers pad, finishes drives (highlights_004 RB stuffed at LOS, film_012 #23 wrapped).
  • Ball production: Plays the ball like a CB (highlights_013 INT vs UK, broadcast_018 PBU near pylon).
  • Versatile blitzer: Slot safety blitz wins (film_005 edge pressure, highlights_017 sack setup).
  • Length/athletic profile: 6'1\" frame contests high (film_009 leap, good hip flip broadcast_011).

    • Concerns

  • Competition translation: MAC pads stats; vs P5 (Illinois highlights), angles poor, speed exposed (broadcast_007 chased down).
  • Instinct gaps: Late reads, overpursuit (film_016 run/pass confusion, highlights_012 bite on play-action).
  • Size/speed combo: Functional but not twitchy elite (4.55 proj); hips stiffen redirecting (broadcast_015 whiff).
  • Tackle security: Occasional dive-miss (highlights_007 arm undersized tackle).

    • Dynasty Outlook

    Day 2 pick fits nickel/role safety immediately (Year 1: 200 snaps). Year 2-3: Starter upside in zone-heavy schemes (e.g., Shanahan trees needing versatile DBs). Avoid man-press teams; thrives Chiefs/Fins type with motion-heavy offenses. Dynasty RB30-ish value early, fades if coverage stalls.


    NFL Comp

  • Floor: Jayron Kearse—solid rotational hitter, limited coverage ceiling.
  • Ceiling: Xavier McKinney-lite—playmaker instincts with coaching polish.

    • Bottom Line

    McNeil-Warren's flash reels sell the athlete, but tape reveals a toolsy G5 safety needing NFL scheme/structure. Pass on top-100; steal in R3 if traits pop at Senior Bowl.


    SCOUT SCORE

    Score: 78/100

    Projected Pick: R3, Pick 70-90


    Film Score: 78 / 100

    College Stats

    2025–26 season

    College stats are not tracked for S prospects.

    Measurables

    ● = confirmed at the Combine. Pre-combine estimates shown where unconfirmed.

    Height6'2"CONFIRMED
    Weight202 lbsCONFIRMED
    40-Yard Dash4.52sCONFIRMED
    Vertical Jump35.5"CONFIRMED
    Broad Jump122"CONFIRMED
    Bench Press—NOT CONFIRMED
    3-Cone Drill—NOT CONFIRMED
    Shuttle Run—NOT CONFIRMED
    Arm Length32.13"CONFIRMED
    Hand Size10.00"CONFIRMED