Emmanuel McNeil-Warren enters the 2026 NFL Draft as a late first-round to second-round prospect, with his injury history likely part of the evaluation but not the main story.
The Toledo safety missed the final five games of the 2024 season with a significant shoulder injury that required surgery. He was also limited in the 2025 bowl game by a leg strain, though he did not miss any games during the 2025 season. That gives teams something to review medically, but his recent durability helps his case.
At 6-foot-3 and 201 pounds, McNeil-Warren has the size NFL teams want at safety. He also helped himself in the pre-draft process by running a 4.52-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine.
His production also stands out. McNeil-Warren finished his college career with five interceptions, 13 pass breakups, and eight forced fumbles, while earning Second Team All-American honors in 2025.
The biggest question for teams is whether the past shoulder injury raises any long-term concerns. If his medicals check out, his size, athleticism, and ball production should keep him firmly in the late Round 1 to Round 2 conversation.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, teams are doing more than just reviewing game tape; they're digging deep into medical histories. While talent is paramount, durability is critical in a league where physical attrition is a weekly reality. Several top prospects enter the draft with injury concerns that could affect their stock, especially as teams weigh short-term availability against long-term risk.
At SIC, we’ve analyzed the most notable health-related storylines among top NFL hopefuls, using both medical insight and positional value to assess how injuries could shape their draft outcomes.
Check out the 2026 NFL Draft Injury Guide
