Should Los Angeles look to the Toledo defensive back to address the secondary?
One 2026 NFL Draft prospect consistently mocked to the Los Angeles Chargers throughout the pre-draft process is Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.
Holding the 22nd pick in the first round, the Chargers could look to address the secondary by potentially targeting the projected first-rounder.
Toledo Athletic DepartmentThe 22-year-old Tampa, Florida native spent all four seasons of his collegiate career at Toledo. In his first year as a starter in 2023, McNeil-Warren recorded 68 total tackles (32 solo), along with three pass breakups, four forced fumbles and two interceptions. He followed that up with 61 tackles (35 solo), four pass breakups, one forced fumble and one interception the next season for the Rockets.
This past year, McNeil-Warren earned second-team All-American honors, while also being named a third-team Associated Press All-American and First-team All-MAC after totaling 77 tackles (36 solo), six pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two interceptions. He also posted a 92.1 overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus in 2025, ranking second among 914 qualifying safeties. His 91.8 coverage grade ranked second, while his 86.5 run-defense grade placed 35th at the position.
McNeil-Warren attended the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, where he measured six-foot-three, 201 pounds, with 32 1/8-inch arms and 9 1/4-inch hands. He ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, a 1.58-second 10-yard split, posted a 35.5-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-two broad jump.
According to Next Gen Stats, his performance earned a total score of 82, ranking third among safeties. His production score of 81 ranked fourth, while his estimated athleticism score of 74 ranked 12th at the position.
McNeil-Warren provides an imposing presence as a downhill safety, using his size, length and physicality to make an impact near the line of scrimmage. He plays with strong instincts in coverage and can quickly diagnose developing routes. While he may lack elite long speed, he closes ground with long strides to disrupt passing lanes.
He thrives in run support, working through traffic with ease and meeting ball carriers early with force. His ability to cover ground and finish tackles in space, along with his knack for creating turnovers, makes him a tone-setter in the middle of the field and a valuable asset in schemes that allow him to play aggressively downhill.
McNeil-Warren could be an intriguing fit in new Chargers defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary’s system. With veteran safety Tony Jefferson agreeing to terms on a one-year, $2 million deal this offseason, the long-term outlook at the position remains uncertain, making McNeil-Warren a logical option for Los Angeles.