According to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Detroit Lions are adding help to their secondary and have signed nickelback Roger McCreary.
McCreary, who just turned 26 years old, was drafted at the top of the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft (with pick No. 35 overall) by the Tennessee Titans. After three and a half seasons as the Titans’ nickel corner, McCreary was traded mid-season to the Rams as part of their push for the playoffs.
McCreary was on a shortlist of players identified by our own Brett Whitefield that should be under consideration for the Lions to acquire. Here’s what Brett had to say:
PRO: A nickel corner with the skill set and experience to play press-man. McCreary is physical and plays the way the Lions ask their corners to play. When in man, he is going to be disruptive early in the route and give up nothing for free. He takes his run defense responsibilities seriously and is one of the better run-defending nickels in the league.
CON: McCreary isn’t the best in zone coverages. When it comes to read and react, playing top-down, he is a little slow on the trigger and will give up some completions underneath. He doesn’t have ideal length, which has led to his ball production being hit-or-miss throughout his career.
BOTTOM LINE: As it stands right now, the Lions don’t really have a starting nickel on the roster. It is possible they view Christian Izien or Ennis Rakestraw as the solution there, but I think all parties can agree they need to add another competent player to the mix to compete for the spot. McCreary would check that box in a big way and likely come at a very affordable price tag.“
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