The cornerback position is expected to be a point of emphasis for the Buffalo Bills in the 2022 NFL Draft. They are likely looking at a number of the top prospects at the position and one of those is former University of Auburn cornerback Roger McCreary.
Let’s take a closer look at the player and how he might fit in the Buffalo Bills’ defense.
Measurables/Stats
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 190 pounds
Arms: 28 7/8″
Hands: 9″
Roger McCreary played in 39 games with Auburn and had 135 total tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, one sack, 30 passes defended, and six interceptions.
This past season was arguably his best at the college level as he had a career high 14 passes defended and 49 total tackles. He would also have two interceptions and his only sack at Auburn.
NFL.com Scouting Report by Lance Zierlein
"Press-man cornerback with physical limitations that could create occasional roller-coaster matchups on Sundays. McCreary is aggressive, with the play strength to bully the release and alter route timing. He lacks fluidity in lateral transitions from off-man and lacks make-up burst to stay connected to cross-country routes. Tall receivers have advantages on jump balls and fades, but finding catch space will be a chore for opponents when he’s in phase on vertical routes. He has average starting talent as a CB2/3 but needs to operate in a scheme that allows him to play hugged-up coverage, limiting operating space for wideouts."
How Roger McCreary fits with the Buffalo Bills
Among the top cornerbacks in this draft class, Roger McCreary is probably towards the bottom. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean he wouldn’t be a great fit for this defense and could be a great value if he were available in the second round.
As Lance Zierlein notes in his scouting report, McCreary projects as a number two cornerback which is really what the Buffalo Bills are looking for with Tre’Davious White. The question becomes whether or not McCreary could start right away as a rookie, especially with questions about White’s availability to start the year as he works his way back from a torn ACL.
If in the first round, players like Andrew Booth Jr., Trent McDuffie, or even Kaiir Elam are drafted before Buffalo is on the clock or they hope to go in another direction with their first round, Roger McCreary would be a great option in the second round to address the cornerback position and bring in competition for Dane Jackson.