How Browns addressed their big nickel safety hole on Day 2 of the draft
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Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry executed one of his uncommon maneuvers on Friday, moving up from No. 70 to No. 58 overall to choose Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Browns traded selections 70 and 107 to the San Francisco 49ers and obtained selection 58 and selection 152 back.
This marks only the third occasion during Berry's tenure that he has moved up to select a player, with the earlier instances being linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the previous year's draft.
McNeil-Warren specifically targets a position need: the third-safety role in Cleveland's big nickel sets, which Rayshawn Jenkins occupied in 2025 before leaving in free agency.
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Toledo's McNeil-Warren occupies a spot the Browns couldn't leave vacant
McNeil-Warren measures 6-foot-3 and weighs 203 pounds, having been a starter for three seasons at Toledo, where he played mainly as a boundary safety while also taking on nickel and deep-half positions throughout his college career.
Dane Brugler from The Athletic placed him as the third-best safety in this class and the 23rd overall prospect before the weekend.
He slipped past the first round, and Cleveland takes action when it becomes evident he remains available.
The Browns are comfortable with Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman in the two starting positions.
However, three-safety packages have turned into a common strategy throughout the NFL, and the particular position that emerged this offseason created a significant void in their defensive setup. McNeil-Warren completes it.
Berry's trading up is so significant mainly because it happens infrequently. Owusu-Koramoah has become a recognized contributor. Sanders is beginning his second season.
McNeil-Warren's arrival in Cleveland signifies that the Browns have acquired a player their front office actively pursued.
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