The NFL Scouting Combine can make or break a prospect's chances. Some introduce themselves to the world with breathtaking measures, performances, or strong interviews, and others absolutely tank their value.
The Colts won't have a first-round selection this year because of the Sauce Gardner trade. They'll be on the clock at No. 47, and while this isn't the deepest draft class we've seen, there should be plenty of options to choose from.
That's why general manager Chris Ballard might want to think things through when it comes to Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, who boasts some impressive physical tools but didn't do that well at the combine.
The Indianapolis Colts need to be careful with Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
The Colts met with McNeil-Warren at the combine, even knowing that some expected him to enter first-round territory with a strong performance. Instead, he ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, the second-slowest among safeties.
Nick Cross is going to be a free agent, and -- on paper -- McNeil-Warren has the physical tools to be a day-one contributor in the pros. He has a massive frame for a safety, standing at 6-foot-5 and 201 pounds, way bigger than the average prospect at the position.
Teams have seen how a game-wrecking, versatile safety can work wonders for any defense. This is a copycat league, and everybody will be looking for the next Nick Emmanwori, a safety who can dominate in the box against the run and then hold his ground against speedy wide receivers in coverage.
McNeil-Warren has the wingspan and strength to be a disruptive defensive force, and he's shown some strong instincts on man coverage. He's also big and strong enough to hold his ground against tight ends, so he's by all means an intriguing prospect.
On the downside, he's also shown to be slow to react against the run, and since he doesn't have high-end speed, as shown by his blunder at the combine, that might lead to missed tackles and inconsistent play.
There's no such thing as a 'can't-miss' prospect, especially not at No. 47. That said, the Colts will have to gather their thoughts on McNeil-Warren and figure out whether his potential outweighs the concerns about his speed-
This team isn't that many pieces away from contention. Keeping Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce in town will all but guarantee they will be one of the teams to beat in the AFC, but giving Lou Anarumo the pieces he needs will be as crucial.