Prospect Profile: CB Roger McCreary

When it comes to McCreary he is a little less talked about than some of the other cornerbacks in this draft which makes him very much in play for the Bills. Most experts have a late first round/early second round grade on him which would make him a wise selection for the Bills if he falls into their lap.

Listed at just under 6’0″, McCreary is known for his superb athleticism and his short-area quickness. He projects to be able to play either inside or outside but with the Bills already having Taron Johnson at the nickel corner, McCreary would project as an outside corner on the Bills roster. A positive of his game is that he excels in any scheme, which brings a ton of versatility because the Bills like to run a lot of zone coverage and sprinkle in man coverage. According to man scouts and draft experts, the best part of his game is his man coverage. He uses his quick feet and hands to make up for being a tad undersized at the position. An ultra aggressive corner, McCreary likes to get up in your face but also excels at playing off receivers.

At Auburn he posted 6 INTs and 135 tackles in his 4 years, while only seeing major time in three of them. He’s a great open field tackler and we know Sean McDermott and Leslie Frazier love aggressive corners than can come up and make a tackle which most people believe the Bills were lacking with Levi Wallace.

Finally, McCreary’s IQ gives him an edge, mainly when it comes to the zone coverage scheme and his understanding of routes. All in all, McCreary is a tad undersized but possesses great athleticism and instincts that overshadow his height.

Measurables

Height: 5’11

Weight: 190 Pounds

Wingspan: 70 5/8″

Hand: 9″

40 Time: 4.5

What the experts have to say

In Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft, he has McCreary going at pick 55 to the Arizona Cardinals. “McCreary is fundamentally sound and advanced in his technique but he’s undersized with short arms,” says Kiper. “He’s also not as explosive as a few other corners in this class. Still, he has some great tape, and I don’t think he’ll drop past Round 3.”

In Todd McShay’s latest mock draft he has McCreary going a little higher but still falling to the second round. He has the Washington Commanders selecting him at pick 47. “McCreary excels in press-man coverage and has the ball skills to make big plays,” says McShay. “He broke up 15 passes last season. But he will have to improve against the run, and some questions remain about his speed.”

Pros

• Excels in man coverage and press coverage
• Consistently gets his hands on the football
• Has good instincts and awareness while playing in zone coverage
• Excellent tackler
• Versatile – can play inside/outside and multiple schemes
• High IQ
• A physical corner

Cons

• Height
• Length is not his strength
• Will struggle against taller/more athletic wide receivers
• Shorts steps affect his movement towards the ball
• Worst part of his coverage game is his off ball coverage