Emmanuel McNeil-Warren Scouting Report

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a disruptive secondary player with the potential to be disruptive in both the run game and coverage.

Draft Grade: Round 2 - Winning Starter

Strengths:

Creating Turnovers: In his career, McNeil-Warren has forced nine fumbles and hauled in five interceptions. This showcases McNeil-Warren’s understanding of how to create turnovers in the run game by punching the football out. He also possesses good ball tracking and ball skills to make plays on the football in the passing game.

Size/Length: At 6-foot-3, McNeil-Warren has good overall size and length, which allows him to be a disruptive middle-of-the-field defender. He has a lot of range, flowing sideline-to-sideline.

Big Hitter: McNeil-Warren plays the game with a violent temperament. In the run game, he is a full-speed collision player who knocks ball carriers backward and, in specific situations, can jar the ball loose. In the passing game, he delivers violent hits to ball carriers and can separate the player from the football.

Versatility: McNeil-Warren's size and length make him a key candidate to be a versatile piece within a defense. He can play both the FS and SS positions. He can also play as a nickel LB in specific situations, giving coordinators the opportunity to defend the run while leaving a defensive back on the field to cover receivers and tight ends.

Concerns:

Top-End Speed: After running a verified 4.52 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, McNeil-Warren's top-end speed will be in question. His ability to carry speedy receivers vertically may become an issue. Additionally, on deep crossers where McNeil-Warren has to stay in phase, it may result in receivers creating separation.

Man-to-Man Coverage: McNeil is a high-hipped, straight-line player, which may become an issue in man-to-man defense. Covering quick slot receivers who change direction rapidly can become a mismatch issue for McNeil-Warren. He may be better suited as a strong safety in a zone-dominant scheme.