Heading into the 2023 campaign, many are expecting big things from the Tennessee Titans second-year cornerback, Roger McCreary.
Despite his severe lack of length (approximately 28-inch arms), McCreary, who operated on the outside, played very well for a rookie for the most part, ultimately taking a positive step forward with his overall development.
It didn’t take long to see why the Titans invested a top-35 pick on the Auburn product, as he was an immediate contributor on defense, and he was one of the few starters on the team who actually played in every game last year.
In fact, McCreary led the entire NFL in defensive snaps played.
During McCreary’s time at Auburn, he made a name for himself while playing on the outside, but considering the length issues stated above, many always felt he was better suited playing on the inside.
After playing along the boundary in his rookie season, it appears Tennessee is finally making the shift toward having McCreary play primarily out of the slot.
The second-year corner was asked to discuss that transition and he said he feels it’s the same as last year, but also feels as if “everything is faster and going at a quicker pace” as compared to the outside.
McCreary explained how he has to be ready to read-and-run, get to his drops and think at the same time without getting caught in a vulnerable position.
The former Auburn star also mentioned how he’s still going to be playing on the outside on occasion, which is to be expected in the Mike Vrabel/Shane Bowen-led defense that loves to move guys around.
However, the young defensive back admitted that being more in the slot in 2023 will be great for him now that he’s getting more comfortable with his new role.
You can watch McCreary’s comments in their entirety posted below, which comes via ESPN’s Turron Davenport:
#Titans CB Roger McCreary on moving inside to play nickel and how he's handling the assignment. pic.twitter.com/e6dbexSdaD
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) July 31, 2023
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