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Falcons to host projected first-round pick on top-30 draft visit
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- Falcons to host projected first-round pick on top-30 draft visit
The Atlanta Falcons may not have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but they're doing their homework in case any blue-chip talent falls into their lap in the second round. That homework includes an upcoming pre-draft visit with a projected first-round pick.
Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, one the top defensive backs in this year's draft class, recently told SI draft analyst Justin Melo that he has a top-30 visit scheduled with the Falcons.
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"I have one coming up with the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys ," McNeil-Warren said in an interview with Melo . "I've had recent virtual meetings with the Miami Dolphins , Buffalo Bills , Jacksonville Jaguars , and Seattle Seahawks , to name a few. We're learning about install and becoming familiar with one another. It's been a fun process."
McNeil-Warren is currently ranked No. 21 on Pro Football Focus' 2026 big board. He's considered a late-first/early second round prospect by most NFL draft scouts. The former Toledo standout recorded 77 tackles (41 solo), three forced fumbles, two interceptions and six passes defended over 13 games last season.
"Long, downhill safety capable of bolstering a team's run defense and playing enforcer over the middle," NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote in his scouting report . "McNeil-Warren is most valuable when playing near the line of scrimmage or in robber positioning. He anticipates well in coverage and is quick to close on receivers but will need to be protected by scheme to prevent speed mismatches"
The Falcons currently hold the 48th overall pick in Round 2, but McNeil-Warren will likely be long gone by then. Plus, the team has a nice stable of safeties with Jessie Bates III , Xavier Watts , Sydney Brown and DeMarcco Hellams .
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The 2026 NFL Draft officially starts on April 23. Atlanta has five total selections -- picks 48, 79, 122, 215 and 231 -- but don't be surprised if the team trades down to acquire more draft capital.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons to host Emmanuel McNeil-Warren on pre-draft visit
