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Mac McWilliams isn't the size of a prototypical NFL cornerback, but you can't tell by watching him play.
Measuring 5-10, 181 pounds, McWilliams's lack of length could handicap him at the pro level. If you ask him, though, McWilliams is the biggest player on the field.
“Since I was little,” McWilliams said on Friday as the Eagles' rookie minicamp got underway. “I have always been the littlest guy so just having the right mindset, taking everything for what it is. All my life I knew I was going to be undersized. I knew I wasn’t going to grow as much as I wanted to. Just always having that dog in me. Just thinking above, never thinking too low.”
“I try really not to think about it. I go out there with the same mindset. I’m the biggest out there. That’s how I feel. So just having that mindset, I really feel like it takes me (far).”
The Eagles drafted McWilliams in the fifth round of last week's NFL Draft, adding him to a young CB room featuring Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. The former UCF standout makes up for his undersized frame with quick footwork and exceptional instincts that allowed him to thrive outside in college.
McWilliams allowed just 22 receptions on 40 targets for 119 total yards last season. He was involved in high-profile matchups against No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter and No. 8 overall pick Tetairoa McMillan, showcasing the necessary tools to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
Mac McWilliams Scouting Report via Lance Zierlein:
Tenacious cornerback whose 2024 tape helped spotlight his toughness and short-area athleticism. McWilliams is best in off coverages. He plays with anticipation and burst to swarm the top of the route from his pedal and is quick to pounce on zone throws. He has average long speed and lacks length. His failure to locate deep throws is concerning.
There is zero hesitation when it’s time to step downhill and support the run, though, and he’s a physical tackler who can do it on his own. McWilliams’ 2023 tape was a mess, but he was much improved in 2024 and looks capable of finding backup work as a nickelback for a zone-heavy team.
While he projects as a slot corner, McWilliams lined up outside in the Eagles' first walkthrough. If he holds up in practice, he could compete with Kelee Ringo and Adoree' Jackson for CB2 reps.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles rookie CB Mac McWilliams: "I’m the biggest out there."
Continue reading...
Measuring 5-10, 181 pounds, McWilliams's lack of length could handicap him at the pro level. If you ask him, though, McWilliams is the biggest player on the field.
“Since I was little,” McWilliams said on Friday as the Eagles' rookie minicamp got underway. “I have always been the littlest guy so just having the right mindset, taking everything for what it is. All my life I knew I was going to be undersized. I knew I wasn’t going to grow as much as I wanted to. Just always having that dog in me. Just thinking above, never thinking too low.”
“I try really not to think about it. I go out there with the same mindset. I’m the biggest out there. That’s how I feel. So just having that mindset, I really feel like it takes me (far).”
The Eagles drafted McWilliams in the fifth round of last week's NFL Draft, adding him to a young CB room featuring Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. The former UCF standout makes up for his undersized frame with quick footwork and exceptional instincts that allowed him to thrive outside in college.
McWilliams allowed just 22 receptions on 40 targets for 119 total yards last season. He was involved in high-profile matchups against No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter and No. 8 overall pick Tetairoa McMillan, showcasing the necessary tools to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
Mac McWilliams Scouting Report via Lance Zierlein:
Tenacious cornerback whose 2024 tape helped spotlight his toughness and short-area athleticism. McWilliams is best in off coverages. He plays with anticipation and burst to swarm the top of the route from his pedal and is quick to pounce on zone throws. He has average long speed and lacks length. His failure to locate deep throws is concerning.
There is zero hesitation when it’s time to step downhill and support the run, though, and he’s a physical tackler who can do it on his own. McWilliams’ 2023 tape was a mess, but he was much improved in 2024 and looks capable of finding backup work as a nickelback for a zone-heavy team.
While he projects as a slot corner, McWilliams lined up outside in the Eagles' first walkthrough. If he holds up in practice, he could compete with Kelee Ringo and Adoree' Jackson for CB2 reps.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles rookie CB Mac McWilliams: "I’m the biggest out there."
Continue reading...
