The Cleveland Browns and general manager Andrew Berry have done an excellent job of revamping the roster throughout the course of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Berry and the front office kicked off the event by targeting the offensive side of the ball, selecting Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano with the No. 9 pick. In addition to addressing the front line, the Browns doubled down on the wide receiver position by taking Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion and Washington’s Denzel Boston with their next two picks.
However, despite the heavy focus on offense, Cleveland flipped the script in the middle of round two when Berry traded up for Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. Many fans expected the Browns to select the electric playmaker with the No. 39 pick, but Berry managed to wait and strike at the perfect moment to select him while simultaneously adding multiple offensive weapons.
Staying in the state!
We’ve selected Emmanuel McNeil-Warren with pick no. 58 pic.twitter.com/3SnThwNVos
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 25, 2026
How McNeil-Warren fits with the Browns in 2026 and beyond
McNeil-Warren, after spending four seasons with the Rockets, was one of the more underrated prospects in this year’s draft class. The dynamic playmaker landed on NFL radars after his impressive 2025 campaign, where he ended the season with 77 tackles, 5.5 tackles for losses, five pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions.
Standing at 6-foot-3, 201 lbs., McNeil-Warren has an incredible frame that allows him to be a versatile weapon on defense. Last year, the former standout Rocket had a coverage grade of 92 and a run defense grade of 83.5, according to PFF. His ability to line up anywhere on defense, along with his adequate athleticism, finally gives Cleveland a true weapon in their safety unit.
#Toledo Safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (#7) has emerged as a potential top-50 player in the 2026 NFL Draft.
His quick trigger in run support mixed with physicality to make any tackle makes him one of “my guys” in this draft class. pic.twitter.com/Hd3bwcN8Bk
— Andy (@AndyyNFL) October 22, 2025
Looking ahead at what his role would be with the Browns, McNeil-Warren is exactly what newly-hired defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg desires in a safety. During his time with the Atlanta Falcons, Rutenberg’s safety unit featured veteran Jessie Bates III and 2025 third-round pick Xavier Watts. His philosophy of “positionless football” on defense favors versatile playmakers that can play any role, which is exactly the type of player Cleveland is receiving with McNeil-Warren.
Currently, the Browns’ safety unit includes Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman, but McNeil-Warren will be able to play as a deep safety or near the line of scrimmage, depending on the formation.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: How Emmanuel McNeil-Warren fits with Browns defense in 2026 and beyond