Browns spend tremendous amount of time with local NFL Draft standout
· Yahoo Sports
The Cleveland Browns may just be looking to address the safety position earlier than anticipated in the 2026 NFL Draft, as evidenced by how much time they have spent with one particular local prospect.
Not only have the Browns hosted Toledo standout Emmanuel McNeil-Warren on a pre-draft visit, but they were also present at his pro day on Monday. Assistant general manager Catherine Hickman was in attendance as the potential first round pick took part in his last audition in front of NFL personnel before the draft.
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Given how much Browns' defensive coordinator has talked about Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts and what he was able to accomplish as a rookie, it should be no surprise that another intellectual safety could be favored by him.
Ronnie Hickman has yet to sign his tender, but that is just a formality. Beyond that, Grant Delpit is entering the last year of his contract extension. Safety is not off the board, even in the slightest, and they could even attack it as early as the first round.
Where the Browns would have to select McNeil-Warren
Currently, McNeil-Warren sits 28th on the consensus board. This means that the Browns may just have to use the 24th overall pick in the draft to bring the Toledo safety to Cleveland. One would imagine that if McNeil-Warren fell to the 39th pick, he would be an easy selection for the Browns to make.
This past season, McNeil-Warren racked up 77 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and two interceptions for the Rockets. He has a career total of five interceptions and has a knack for forcing turnovers. Not only did he force three fumbles this past season at Toledo, but he has amassed an astounding nine total career forced fumbles.
If drafted by the Browns, he would instantly see playing time, perhaps even usurping a starting role from Hickman. If Delpit does not receive another contract extension from the Browns as well, planning one year out is not a terrible idea for this team that needs to use 2026 as a transition year before getting back on the saddle in 2027.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns spend more time with NFL Draft standout Emmanuel McNeil-Warren