Why Emmanuel McNeil-Warren Could Be a Perfect Fit for the Cowboys’ Secondary
The Dallas Cowboys are heading into the offseason with safety on their shopping list, and while Caleb Downs is the name many fans are circling in bold, there’s a strong chance he’s off the board before Dallas is on the clock at No. 12. That opens the door for other prospects to enter the conversation-and one name that’s gaining steam is Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, a rangy, hard-hitting safety out of Toledo.
McNeil-Warren might not have the same national spotlight as some of the top-tier defensive backs in the 2026 class, but make no mistake-this is a player who brings a unique blend of physicality, instincts, and versatility that could make him a strong fit in Christian Parker’s defensive scheme.
Scouting McNeil-Warren: A Throwback with Modern Tools
Vitals:
- Height: 6’1 ½”
- Weight: 202 lbs
- Projected 40 Time: 4.54
College Résumé:
- 48 games
- 214 total tackles
- 13 pass deflections
- 11 tackles for loss
- 11 forced fumbles
- 5 interceptions
When you watch McNeil-Warren on tape, the first thing that jumps out is how he looks the part. Long arms, broad frame, and that old-school “enforcer” build-he’s got the kind of physical presence that used to define safeties in the early 2000s.
But this isn’t just a guy who throws his weight around. He’s got a real knack for creating turnovers, with 11 forced fumbles during his college career.
That’s not a fluke-it’s a habit.
He’s a tone-setter. Whether he’s laying the wood on a crossing route or punching the ball out in a pile, McNeil-Warren makes his presence felt. And that’s something Dallas has sorely missed in the middle of the field.
What He Brings to the Table
McNeil-Warren has experience playing both deep and in the box, but he thrives when he’s allowed to roam the middle of the field. That’s where his size and instincts really shine. Quarterbacks think twice about throwing down the seam when he’s lurking, and his long stride helps him cover more ground than you’d expect from a player with his timed speed.
He’s not just a hitter-he’s a smart football player. He consistently takes good angles to the ball and rarely looks out of position. That kind of football IQ is hard to coach, and it’s part of what makes him such a compelling prospect.
And while he may not be a pure free safety, he’s not limited to just box duties either. He can flip his hips, break on the ball, and hold his own in coverage, especially in zone-heavy schemes that let him read and react.
Areas of Concern
Now, let’s be clear-McNeil-Warren isn’t a perfect prospect. His athletic profile is average by NFL standards. He’s not going to wow anyone with his burst or long speed, and there’s some stiffness in his hips that shows up when he’s asked to turn and run.
He’s also had some issues with consistency. Despite his five career interceptions, he’s left just as many on the field. His hands aren’t the most reliable, and he missed more tackles than expected during the 2025 season-something that’ll need to be cleaned up at the next level.
There’s also the level of competition to consider. Coming out of Toledo, he didn’t face elite receivers or quarterbacks week in and week out. That adjustment curve to the NFL will be real, and teams will want to see how quickly he can acclimate.
NFL Comparison: Deshon Elliott
If you’re looking for an NFL comp, think Deshon Elliott. Like McNeil-Warren, Elliott isn’t the fastest guy on the field, but he’s a physical presence who thrives in the middle of the defense. He’s carved out a strong role in Pittsburgh by making timely plays and bringing toughness to the secondary-traits McNeil-Warren could absolutely mirror if he lands in the right system.
Fit in Dallas: A Needed Edge in the Secondary
From a fit standpoint, McNeil-Warren makes a lot of sense for Dallas. With Malik Hooker already holding down the deep safety role, McNeil-Warren could slot in closer to the line of scrimmage or as a robber defender-essentially a free-floating menace in the middle of the field.
That’s where he’s most dangerous. Let him read the quarterback, close on the ball, and deliver hits that make receivers think twice. He brings an edge, a physicality, and a presence that this Cowboys secondary has lacked for years.
And perhaps most importantly, he’s ready to contribute early. He’s played nearly 50 college games, has a nose for the football, and doesn’t shy away from contact. That’s the kind of player you can plug in from Day 1.
Draft Projection: Early Round 2, With Upside
McNeil-Warren is likely to come off the board somewhere between picks 20 and 40. The only thing keeping him out of the first round is his athletic ceiling.
He’s not going to test off the charts, and that will give some teams pause. But for the right team-especially one that values toughness, instincts, and versatility over pure speed-he could be a steal.
If Dallas decides to address another position at No. 12 and McNeil-Warren is still available early in Round 2, don’t be surprised if they make a move. He’s the kind of player who can bring attitude and identity to a defense-and that’s something the Cowboys could use more of.
In a draft class with some flashier names, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren might not be the headline-grabber. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a safety who plays with purpose, punishes ball carriers, and understands how to impact a game from the shadows. And in the right scheme, that’s the kind of player who can quietly become one of the best values in the draft.