Emmanuel McNeil-Warren — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

McNeil-Warren is one of the most physically imposing safeties in this draft and he plays as big as he measures (a long 6-2, 202 pounds).

There's a good chance that McNeil-Warren doesn't fall this far. He has all the traits you look for in a safety at 6-foot-3 with great length to eliminate passing windows and the speed to match up down the field. And with eight interceptions over the past three seasons, McNeil-Warren has shown a consistent ability to make plays on the ball. The Vikings had only five draft picks last year and didn't take a defensive player until Round 5, so they need to hit on some young defenders. McNeil-Warren would give Minnesota a youthful foundation at safety, as Harrison Smith turned 37 on Monday, and allow the Vikings to compensate for missing on Lewis Cine in the 2023 draft.

McNeil-Warren is a sideline-to-sideline missile and an explosive thumper coming downhill. He offers versatility and range on the back end, using his closing speed and ball skills to make plays at all three levels of the defense.

Safety isn't a huge need for the Broncos, but if they're taking a best-player-available approach and McNeil-Warren is on the board, I could see them being interested. Talanoa Hufanga is an impact player, but Brandon Jones could be a cut candidate. McNeil-Warren earned an 89.6 PFF overall grade with two interceptions, five forced incompletions and 17 coverage stops this past season.

Adding a playmaking safety will enable the Broncos to continue suffocating opponents with sticky coverage. McNeil-Warren is a rangy defender with the instincts and awareness to eliminate deep throws between the hashes.

I'm higher on McNeil-Warren than some other people around the league, but I love his combination of size and explosive playmaking ability. He could help replace Harrison Smith if the soon-to-be 37-year-old does indeed retire.