Cardinals 2022 Draft: Three-round mock to remain an NFC contender

First Round (Pick No. 23)

Roger McCreary – CB (Auburn)

Here in the first round, I have the Cardinals running to the podium and Roger Goodell to select the shutdown Auburn tiger cornerback, Roger McCreary.

Even though Arizona’s defense could have to undergo massive changes with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph possibly leaving to become a head coach somewhere, McCreary will be a sight for sore eyes in the Cardinals’ cornerback room.

McCreary is a phenomenal press-man cornerback who will instantly take over starting duties on the outside across from Byron Murphy. He rarely, if ever, gets beat on routes and he does a great job at getting his head around to make plays on the ball while it’s in flight. He finished the 2021 season with 14 pass breakups and two interceptions, one of which was a pick-six.

Despite his near unmatched man coverage abilities within this draft class, he is a very solid player in zone coverage as well. He displays some above-average awareness and football instincts that allow him to constantly be where the football is and make plays in coverage.

If a receiver does manage to make a catch on McCreary in coverage, his background at the safety position ensures he will almost always wrap up and allow very minimal yards after the catch.

There is almost nothing to not love about this pick for Arizona moving forward.