5 Best Fits at Cornerback for the Buffalo Bills in the 2022 NFL Draft
By Aaron Tully
Roger McCreary
Auburn/5’11”/190 lbs/Senior
Roger McCreary would be the top defensive back coming out of the SEC if it were not for LSU’s Derek Stingley being the country’s best defensive back prospect.
McCreary defended a whopping 14 passes in 2021, and a total of 30 passes in 39 collegiate games. He also intercepted six passes in that same span. He is always looking to make a play on the ball in coverage and has the willingness to tackle that Sean McDermott loves to have in his defensive backfield.
The Auburn product was one of college football’s best in man coverage in 2021. He is very good in press coverage and does a great job of mirroring and staying with his man throughout the route.
McCreary is also very good in zone coverage. His instincts and speed when closing in on the ball are tremendous and does a good job keeping his eyes on the quarterback while in coverage.
Given that McCreary has a good balance of skill in both man and zone coverage, he is a versatile player that can be used on both the outside and in the nickel. No matter where on the field he plays, McCreary is aggressive in his attempts to make plays on the ball.
One of McCreary’s few downsides is just his size. McCreary is not very long for an NFL corner, and he is susceptible to getting pushed around sometimes due to his frame. This is a problem that Levi Wallace had, and one that current Bills corner Dane Jackson has.
Despite that, McCreary has a lot of positive traits that the Buffalo Bills and likely several other teams will like. He is an experienced and productive three-year starter who has balanced coverage skills, physical toughness, and football instincts that would make him a good fit across the field from Tre’Davious White.