Sean McVay Discusses Rams’ Acquisition Of Roger McCreary

The Los Angeles Rams made an addition at cornerback earlier this week, acquiring Roger McCreary from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a conditional fifth- and sixth-round pick swap. It adds depth to Sean McVay’s secondary after losing Ahkello Witherspoon to an injury in Week 2.

McCreary has played both the outside corner and the slot over his seasons with the Titans. He has recorded 253 total tackles, three interceptions and 17 passes defensed since being drafted in the second round in 2022. In eight games (three starts) this season, the 25-year-old has 33 tackles, one interceptions and three passes defensed. While he isn’t an elite corner by any means, he certainly provides some much-needed depth for a cheap cost.

McVay and the Rams are already considered one of the elite teams in a crowded NFC, and any additions the team can make before the Nov. 4 trade deadline should only help with that goal of contention. McVay spoke about what he likes from McCreary and what the purpose of the trade was, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:

“We were looking to be able to just add some depth,” McVay said. “He’s a guy that (we) respect from playing against him earlier this year, has some inside-outside flex. Actually, (assistant head coach/pass game coordinator) Aubrey (Pleasant) coached him in the Senior Bowl when he was coming out of Auburn, and so we’re excited to get him in. … Just talked to him, he’ll get packed and we’ll get him out here, and then we’ll see what it looks like to be able to get him going for this week. But excited to be able to add him, respect his game from going against them. I’ve heard great things about the human being from people that have been around him. Aubrey enjoyed coaching him at the Senior Bowl, and he’ll be able to add some depth to our group, and we’re excited about it.”

It also helps that McVay has some knowledge about the Titans scheme and what is asked of their corners from the defensive coordinator:

“I think just the competitiveness,” McVay said. “I think what (Titans defensive coordinator) Dennard (Wilson) asks of that slot position and that system in general, activated as a blitzer inside on some of the run fits, the lateral movement and the short-space quickness to be able to guard guys on a two-way go. They’ll play some vision zone, and they play some matchup stuff where he’s in man or he’s sticky, based on some of the principles that they play, and all of that you could see could do at a high level. But I just respected and I liked the competitor. I saw a competitive player on tape, played big at the point of attack, would get his face dirty if he was involved in the run fit, they could blitz him internally, externally.”

The Rams are hopeful that McCreary can make an impact this season before become a free agent this next offseason. And if he can, he might be someone the Rams look to bring back. If not, it didn’t cost McVay and Les Snead much to acquire him for the half-season of work.

Rams expected to get major reinforcements back for Week 9

The Rams’ bye week came at a perfect time, as it provided an opportunity for two major contributors to get healthy without the team having to sacrifice a potential win. Superstar wide receiver Puka Nacua missed L.A.’s Week 7 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London while right tackle Rob Havenstein has been out since Week 5, both with ankle injuries.

The Rams were able to go 2-1 in the three games that Havenstein missed, while winning Nacua’s lone absence. It’s a great sign of the type of depth that the Rams have on their roster as they look to compete for a Super Bowl this season. But having their best players back in the lineup is always the preferred scenario.

And all signs are pointing towards the Rams having both Nacua and Havenstein back in the lineup when they take on the New Orleans Saints in their return from the bye on Sunday.