NASHVILLE – The Titans selected Auburn cornerback Roger McCreary in the second round of Friday night's NFL Draft.
McCreary, taken with the 35th overall pick, said he's ready to contribute.
"I went on a visit to the Titans, and I love everything about Nashville, just the coaches and everything," McCreary said on a conference call after being picked. "They talked about their system, and I really feel like I can fit in. That's where I was hoping, when the pick came, that I would be one of their choices. I'm just happy that they chose me."
McCreary (6-0, 190) was a first team All-America by The Athletic, Associated Press, and ESPN in 2021, when he was a Bednarik Award semifinalist.
McCreary started 12 games for Auburn in 2021, when he tallied 49 tackles, one interception and 16 passed defensed.
At Auburn, McCreary tallied 135 career tackles with six interceptions and 32 pass breakups.
"My skill set, I feel like I can come in and do great with my skill set," McCreary said. "I am a corner who can play man, I can play zone, too, and I know I can play nickel, too, and I can go out to the corner. Going into the system, (if) they want me to play at both positions I look forward to playing both positions.
"(The Titans) haven't told me my exact role, they are just happy they chose me because of the player I am, the corner that I am, a physical guy who can adjust to the system. They love everything about me, and they know that I am going to come in and do great."
McCreary, whose uncle, Angelo James, played for the Philadelphia Eagles, believes the competition he played against in the SEC should help him be prepared for the NFL.
One of the receivers he faced: Treylon Burks from Arkansas, who was picked 18th overall by the Titans on Thursday night.
"The SEC, I feel like that is the best conference underneath the NFL, and it prepares you for the next level," McCreary said. "Going against the great receivers week in and week out, that's why I feel like I was one of the best corners in the draft, because I have played against the best, from Henry Ruggs (of Alabama) to Ja'Marr Chase (of LSU) to DeVonta Smith (of Alabama) and to Treylon Burks – that's a lot of guys. I feel like having that under my belt and playing in the SEC, that is why my confidence is so high going to the next level."
The Titans selected Auburn defensive back Roger McCreary in the second round of Friday night's NFL Draft. McCreary was taken with the 35th overall pick.
Auburn defensive back Roger McCreary (23) intercepts a pass intended for Mississippi State wide receiver Osirus Mitchell (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Auburn cornerback Roger McCreary (23) celebrates during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Auburn cornerback Roger McCreary (23) warms up before an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. South Carolina won 21-17. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
Auburn cornerback Roger McCreary lines up against Texas A&M during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Auburn cornerback Roger McCreary (23) intercepts a pass intended for Penn State wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Auburn defensive back Roger McCreary (23) celebrates after Alabama place kicker Joseph Bulovas, right, missed a field goal that would've tied the score late in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. Auburn won 48-45. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Auburn defensive back Roger McCreary (23) against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Auburn cornerback Roger McCreary (23) stiff arms Alabama State quarterback Ryan Nettles (13) after an interception as he returns it for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA football game Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Auburn cornerback Roger McCreary (23) celebrates after intercepting Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford (14) during their NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Sept.18, 2021.Penn State defeated Auburn 28-20. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
