Quinyon Mitchell opened the door for Toledo Rockets players to hear their name on the first day. Now, another could follow suit and take to the stage in the first round.
Chicago Bears Predicted to Grab Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in First Round
After a division title and dispatching their divisional rival, the Green Bay Packers, on Wild Card Weekend, the franchise looks to add pieces as it hopes to make deeper playoff runs. According to PFSN writer Alec Elijah, the Chicago Bears are projected to grab McNeil-Warren with the No. 25 pick, stating:
“Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is positioned to become the first lower-conference player selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, and for good reason. A natural ball-hawk, McNeil-Warren created turnovers with authority at Toledo, forcing eight fumbles and recording five interceptions.
He routinely attacks the football at the point of contact, showcasing instincts and timing that translate seamlessly to the NFL. With his combination of size, vision, and elite playmaking, McNeil-Warren projects as a high-floor, NFL-ready safety capable of stepping in immediately and elevating any secondary he joins.”
In 48 games at the Rockets, McNeil-Warren made 214 tackles, picked off five passes, and forced nine fumbles. At six foot two and 209 pounds, he brings a commanding physical presence to the field. Most importantly, he doesn’t mind dislodging the ball and forcing the receiver to relinquish it. In coverage, the prospect seemingly defies convention. He moves fluidly in coverage despite his height and leg length, gliding with an easy gait.
Meanwhile, the face of McNeil’s old team has changed significantly in recent months. First. Head coach Jason Candle left the program to accept the job at the University of Connecticut. Next, the school hired former Mercer head coach Mike Jacobs. Jacobs grew up in Maumee, a town 10 miles from the campus.
As a result, he knows the area fairly well. Next, the Rockets will go to a more zone-read look within a spread. As a defensive-minded head coach, Jacobs will let offensive coordinator Cris Reisert handle that side of the ball. Meanwhile, the defense will feature Mercer Andrew Zock.
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Zock, winner of the 2025 Buck Buchanan Award as the best defensive player in the FCS, is a pass-rusher who wins with hustle and timing. He will give the Rockets a pass rush that should ripple through the defense. The new group needs to live up to last year’s standard, where they held down the No. 7 spot on PFSN’s CFB Defense Impact Rankings.
The Rockets has, in recent years, built itself into a viable talent-producing school. Now, with a new coach and scheme, how will that affect the foundation that Candle previously built? The Philadelphia Eagles selected Mitchell with the No. 22 pick in 2024. Mitchell started 16 games, helping the team win a Super Bowl. Now, is the pressure on for the program to produce more talent?
