More often than not, Tennessee Titans players are overlooked on the national scale while players from big market organizations soak up the spotlight.
But being overlooked is nothing new for Titans cornerback Roger McCreary. Because he lacks both size and length at corner, McCreary has always been underrated and had to prove himself. Recognition has been hard to come by throughout his football career.
That's now starting to change. McCreary recently got his flowers from CBS Sports on a list of five third-year players who are primed to break out in the 2024 NFL season.
Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports recently dropped a list of five players who are entering their third season in the NFL that are poised for a breakout season in 2024. Whether it's because of advanced analytics, a change in coaching, the roster built around these players, or maybe all three...These are the guys you'll want to buy stock in now.
The five players Trapasso singled out? Falcons WR Drake London, Packers DT Devonte Wyatt, Cowboys DB Markquese Bell, Broncos LB Nik Bonitto, and Titans cornerback Roger McCcreary. Here's what Trapasso wrote about Tennessee's up-and-coming corner.
"The former second-round pick from Auburn, who was a real -- and only -- challenge for Ja'Marr Chase at LSU, got out of the NFL gates slowly in his rookie season. He allowed an 113.8 passer rating on throws in his coverage vicinity, which included a whopping seven touchdowns.
Year 2 was a different story, it was just easy to miss because the Titans finished 18th in defensive DVOA and failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year. But the pesky inside-and-outside corner didn't allow a touchdown in his second professional campaign and knocked away six total throws. He also had his first two sacks in the NFL and forced seven tackles for loss, up from two as a rookie.
I'm pumped for him playing in Dennard Wilson's scheme, as the new Titans defensive coordinator is the first branch off the super successful Mike Macdonald tree that was originally planted in Baltimore. What McCreary lacks in size and length, he counters with supreme instincts and twitch to stay with receivers at all three levels."
2024 has all the makings of a big year for McCreary. As Trapasso mentioned, the former Auburn Tigers cornerback did not allow a touchdown in 2023 and that was while being matched up against many top opposing wideouts.
The secondary around McCreary was one of the worst in the league last year, but this fall he will be complimented by the likes of L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie. Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson also has a demonstrated history of success with defensive backs in both Baltimore and Philadelphia.
McCreary is a scrappy and physical corner that should fit in Wilson's defensive scheme nicely. There are many reasons to think he's going to have the best season of his career in 2024.
