Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, a rangy safety with impressive speed, is attracting attention and may see NFL opportunities as a rookie.
He is considered an impressive size/speed athlete on the back end.
From Toledo to the NFL
McNeil-Warren started for three years at Toledo, playing as a boundary safety in Vince Kehres’ scheme, rotating to nickel and deep half during tempo. Jason Candle, the former Toledo head coach and current UConn head coach, developed a reputation for finding and developing talent with the Rockets, with five draft picks on defence over the past four years. McNeil-Warren is next up in the pipeline.
He turned down transfer opportunities, trusting the Toledo staff, which paid off in his development over the past four years.
Strengths and Weaknesses
McNeil-Warren is a fluid mover with functional range and improved instincts against the pass thanks to his footwork and hips. This allows him to mirror and match tight ends and running backs. He drives on the football in run support and took a master’s class on the “Peanut Punch.”
Areas for improvement include adding more meat on his bones and continuing to improve his take-on and tackle-finishing skills.
He is at his best when roaming to read his keys, flow to the ball and quickly close space.
Early Life and Influences
One of nine children, McNeil-Warren was born and raised in Tampa, Fla., by his mother, Sharona McNeil. He started playing football at age 7 as a quarterback, running back and wide receiver.
McNeil-Warren didn’t have much of a relationship with his father, Tarus Horne, while growing up. Before high school, his mother had him move to St. Petersburg, Fla., to live with Horne, who was an offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at Lakewood High. Initially disagreeing with the decision, McNeil-Warren developed a close bond with his father, crediting him for being a role model and keeping him on track.
High School Career
McNeil-Warren enrolled at Lakewood High School in Pinellas County, Fla., where he played on varsity all four seasons. Mostly a wide receiver throughout middle school, he expected to play on offense for his father, but the coaches moved him to safety and cornerback during his freshman year.
As a sophomore, McNeil-Warren accounted for 17 tackles and one interception, as Lakewood started 12-0 before a loss in the 2019 playoff semifinals. He recorded 21 tackles, two interceptions and one forced fumble as a junior in 2020, during a COVID-19 pandemic-abbreviated season. McNeil-Warren missed several games as a senior because of a concussion and an elbow fracture, finishing with 65 tackles and three interceptions.
McNeil-Warren has the rangy tools to push for starting safety reps as an NFL rookie.