Andrew Buller-Russ
Once again, the Minnesota Vikings‘ options with their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft feel wide open. They could target an offensive player who can help Kevin O’Connell’s offense get back on track. Or possibly a defender to help replace some of the talent lost this offseason.
Harrison Smith’s potential retirement also looms large. Without him, the Vikings have a glaring hole at the safety position, which is an integral spot in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme. Yet, an ideal replacement could present itself with the 18th overall pick in the first round.
Recently, ESPN’s Matt Bowen highlighted his favorite team fits for some top 20 prospects. When it came to the Vikings, he highlighted Toledo’s first-round safety prospect Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, who he said was “ideal” for Flores’ scheme.
“McNeil-Warren is ideal for coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme, which focuses on creating chaos for opposing offenses with late movement and pressure. Flores and the Vikings played two-high coverage on 56.5% of opponent dropbacks last season, the second most in the league. McNeil-Warren has the explosive forward ability to drive on the ball from the deep half or a “quarters” alignment. And he has the range to track it deep. Flores will also use his third-level defenders on pressure concepts; Minnesota’s defensive back blitz rate of 15.1% ranked fourth highest last season. That lends well to McNeil-Warren’s forward burst.”
ESPN’s Matt Bowen on Emmanuel McNeil-Warren/Vikings
While McNeil-Warren is a first-round prospect, he’s expected to still be available by the time the Vikings are on the clock. The only other safety projected to be a first-round pick is Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman, but he’s expected to go higher than the small-school Toledo prospect.
At 6-foot-3, McNeil-Warren would bring unique size to Minnesota’s secondary, but Flores has been known to take a chance on taller cornerbacks, so he may be able to work wonders with the safety too.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Named ‘Perfect Fit’ for Day 2 Receiver
