Make no bones about it, safety help is of the utmost importance for the Philadelphia Eagles.
While the cornerback room is now flying high thanks to the new lockdown trio of Riq Woolen, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean, a replacement for Reed Blankenship is badly needed. Previously, a potential early stab at talented corner prospects, including Tacario Davis, seemed logical this coming draft, but that's no longer the case. Now, determining who might be the next running mate alongside Andrew Mukuba at safety has become the million-dollar question.
One particular prospect who could immediately make his presence felt is Toledo standout Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. He's firmly entrenched in round one territory, and for all the right reasons.
Roseman could be thinking safety early, and this Rocket brings the heat
McNeil -Warren throws his 6-foot-3, 201-pound frame around with force at all times. A punishing hitter who routinely drops the hammer close to the line of scrimmage, the Tampa native clocked a resounding nine forced fumbles in MAC action. A Third-Team AP All-American, First-Team All-MAC recipient, and finalist for the Jim Thorpe award, the Toledo safety is not only a good friend of Mitchell's, but he's also highly regarded by Philadelphia brass.
The Eagles met with McNeil-Warren at the combine, and he keeps in close contact with his former teammate Mitchell, whom he credits as a source of inspiration in his ongoing quest to ascend from a smaller-program standout to elite NFL status.
Having hit the jackpot with Mitchell in the first round two seasons ago, Howie Roseman would be wise to tap into the Toledo well once more. Yes, there will be plenty of safety prospects to consider on day two of the draft, with talents such as Penn State's Zakee Wheatley also offering strong potential and value in the day two conversation.
But the boundless upside of McNeil-Warren, who would team back up with Mitchell alongside Mukuba, DeJean, and Woolen, could resemble a modern-day version of Philly's own Legion of Boom.
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Depending on what position Roseman covets most in the first round, if he does, in fact, opt to go the safety route, McNeil-Warren has future star written all over him.