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2022 NFL Draft Prospects: Auburn vs. Texas A&M

By Andrew Fischer

Sep 25, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal (8) in action during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas A&M Aggies at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal (8) in action during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas A&M Aggies at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2021; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers cornerback Roger McCreary (23) returns an interception for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Alabama State Hornets at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers cornerback Roger McCreary (23) returns an interception for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Alabama State Hornets at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

Auburn CB Roger McCreary

While linebackers might be getting smaller, corners in the NFL seem to be getting larger. This is so they can cover the bigger, stronger receivers that are making their way onto NFL fields these days.

Roger McCreary is 6’0”, 191. He isn’t as big as some of the first-round corners that have been drafted the last few years, but he’s not a small corner either. McCreary plays bigger than his listed size. The senior from Mobile, Alabama, plays equally well up near the line of scrimmage and in the back end of the secondary.

He’s not afraid to run up and make a tackle and does a nice job attacking receivers and running backs who get the ball in the flat. McCreary’s seven tackles for loss in 2020 weren’t a fluke, he can tackle exceptionally well for a corner.

But what really piques the interest of 2022 NFL Draft scouts is his cover skills. Roger McCreary is leading the SEC in passes defended with eight, and has a pair of interceptions on the year, including a pick six. On film I’ve seen him make interceptions multiple times in the end zone, which signals that he really enhances his focus when the field shrinks for the offense down by the goal line.

The speed, tackling ability and ball skills are there for Roger McCreary, but the final piece of the puzzle for him will be improving his football IQ. Working more with coaches and watching more film should have him playing even faster than he already does. His ceiling for the 2022 NFL Draft is the first round, and his floor might be as a top-100 pick.

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