Auburn football: 3 Tigers that could be drafted to NFL in 2022

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Auburn football defensive back Roger McCreary (17) hits Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) before the ball arrives as Ruggs hauls in a touchdown pass in Bryant-Denny Stadium during Alabama’s 52-21 victory over Auburn in the Iron Bowl Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.] /

Auburn football 2022 NFL Draft hopeful #2: Roger McCreary

PFF believes Roger McCreary is one-half of the most dominant cornerback duo in college football along with Smoke Monday, so the hype for McCreary’s NFL case does not need a shot of life. It is already in full effect.

McCreary was a possibility for the 2021 draft after a dominant 2020 season, but ultimately he chose to return to the Tigers. After another season as the top corner for new defensive coordinator Derek Mason, his professional candidacy will not be in any doubt.

It’s undeniable that he filled Igbinoghene’s shoes admirably, collecting 45 tackles, six pass deflections, and three interceptions in 2020. His season was a major bright spot for one of Kevin Steele’s weakest defenses of his Auburn football tenure.

In fact, Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon was surprised McCreary didn’t take the opportunity to go pro this past April:

"as Auburn undergoes a coaching change from Gus Malzahn to Brian Hairsin, it would’ve been understandable for McCreary to transition too. Because he’s staying on the Plains, though, McCreary will attempt to become more than a borderline Day 2 pick."

McCreary probably won’t make the same decision should he (inevitably) be posed with it once more in 2022.

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