Making Monsters Draft Series: Toledo Safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

April 11, 2026·14 min·1 clip

Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren could be a first-round pick from the MAC's fourth-best scoring defense.

The episode begins with host Taylor introducing Justin Feldkamp, Program Director and Anchor for BCSN covering Northwest Ohio sports. They start by discussing Toledo's defense, which ranked fourth in scoring defense last season, allowing about 13.3 points per game. Justin explains the defensive revamp under Coach Karras, who left for Syracuse, and how Toledo designs schemes around personnel. The conversation shifts to Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, a safety prospect projected as a first or second-round pick. Justin describes McNeil-Warren's growth, noting he admitted to immaturity as a freshman before a lightbulb moment in his sophomore year. McNeil-Warren is praised as a versatile player nicknamed 'the eraser' for impacting games in multiple ways, with 77 tackles, five interceptions, and nine forced fumbles over his career. The host connects this to the Chicago Bears, who led the NFL in takeaways but lost key safeties, making McNeil-Warren a mock draft fit at pick 25. They discuss the value of his ability to play both run and coverage, and Justin notes the challenge of projecting draft busts despite analytics. McNeil-Warren's loyalty is highlighted, as he stayed at Toledo despite transfer portal offers, similar to teammate Quinyon Mitchell. Justin mentions McNeil-Warren is the first college graduate in his family, adding a human interest element. The host reflects on the importance of such stories in his 'Making Monsters' series, which typically covers player backgrounds. They touch on how Toledo's pipeline of NFL talent continues under new coaching, and Justin emphasizes McNeil-Warren's availability and playmaking worth 'the price of admission.' The episode concludes with thanks and a brief unrelated ad segment.

As heard by us

A Toledo safety's takeaway profile lines up with a Bears need in the draft.

Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren comes into focus as a practical draft answer for a Bears defense that has to replace lost takeaway production after four contributors, including two safeties, moved on.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You can size up Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren through the numbers, the Bears fit, and the hard part of projecting any draft pick.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from 2nd City Gridiron