Emmanuel McNeil-Warren — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

The Bears continue their secondary makeover by drafting McNeil-Warren, pairing him with free-agent acquisition Coby Bryant to give Chicago a new safety tandem for 2026. McNeil-Warren had five pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two interceptions (one pick-six) at Toledo last season.

In this year's deep safety class, McNeil-Warren has a strong shot to be the third one off the board in the first round. He is extremely fluid and long, with great play vision and natural disruption skills. He forced three fumbles in 2025, while recording 12 pass breakups and five interceptions over the past three seasons.

The Chargers have needs at edge and guard to address in the draft, but safety is a sneaky area where they need to get younger. Derwin James Jr. will be a 30-year-old free agent next offseason.

They need a young playmaking safety who has a lot of tools in the box. McNeil-Warren is that type of player. He might end up as the best safety in this class.

One thing has become apparent during all these pre-draft exercises: The menu of players available at No. 25 is consistently appealing. In this instance, the depth of the edge rusher class helps swing things in McNeil-Warren's favor, with the Bears adding another weapon to the back end of their defense. Speed: check. Size: check. Passion: check. Playmaking ability: check. General manager Ryan Poles has long contended that safety is the hardest position to evaluate for the draft. But energetic, productive players like McNeil-Warren make it easier. His physicality and fluidity will pair well with newcomer Coby Bryant. — Dan Wiederer

Linebacker was tempting here with CJ Allen still available. Instead, the Bills bolster their spine at the safety spot. Even after signing C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Geno Stone, I think the Bills could use another centrally located long-term option that new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard could weaponize. McNeil-Warren is such a fun player. He is a quick diagnoser and loves to fit the run. He would be a great fit for Leonhard's defense that asks a lot out of its safeties.

Need a Monster of the Midway? How about a 6-foot-4, 200-pound DB with a penchant for big hits and finding the ball? And it certainly seems like the Bears could use one with All-Pro Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker leaving the back line during free agency. McNeil-Warren and recently signed Coby Bryant could equate to a nice recovery plan.

McNeil-Warren has the size, length and playmaking ability to fill the void left by Jaquan Brisker -- in fact, I believe EMW would be an upgrade at the position.

Three safeties in the top 20! McNeil-Warren deserves to be here; he has the speed and instincts to make plays, accumulating 10 forced fumbles and five interceptions over his four seasons at Toledo. Carolina focused on defense this month, signing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd to sizable contracts. It also brought back safety Nick Scott alongside Tre'von Moehrig, but McNeil-Warren could make a big impact in the secondary and give the team some options. The Panthers allowed 6.5 yards per dropback last season (22nd in the NFL).

I really like McNeil-Warren's game, and I think he could be a great talent injection for that Chiefs' secondary. Kansas City also needs some young and talented players who come cheap.