STRENGTHS - McCray gets off the snap quickly and has the speed and burst off the edges to get to the quarterback. He is a sound tackler, although he needs to do a better job of squaring up on some tackles. Good playing speed enables McCray to chase down ball carriers in backside pursuit on his side of the field. Had an interception against Tennessee where he got up in the air to make the catch and was able to come down quickly, which showed good body control and coordination. He is quick getting started up the field with the ball after making the INT, which helps him to gain yards consistently. Good footwork combines with his quickness so that he can beat blocker inside to make tackle on run.
WEAKNESSES - In order to be effective playing outside linebacker he will have to play more physical and stronger at the point of attack against blockers. Additionally, he does not flip hips to turn quickly, which he will have to improve to be productive in man coverage in NFL - This could either be a lack of flexibility or due to him usually going forward as a defensive end and needing to get used to playing off the ball as a linebacker. Needs to use his hands more and play with more leverage off the snap as he relies heavily on speed right now. His closing burst in the open field is questionable and it does not appear as though he has great sideline to sideline speed. If he's out of a play, I don't feel he's a guy that can get back into the picture quickly. He does not consistently display the explosive closing ability to consistently finish plays.
SUMMARY - McCray played DE at Florida, but he will need to make the switch to OLB if he is going to play in the NFL. While he has the quickness off the ball to get the corner as a pass rusher, he lacks a variety of pass rush moves and struggles to defeat OL pass blocks if they get their hands on him. He has a tendency to play upright and without leverage, which hinders him vs OL blocks. He displays good awareness picking up RB in coverage and has the speed to stay with him, but he needs work on turning and running and in his overall coverage skills. Overall, McCray is a developmental conversion project who fits best as a 34 outside linebacker, although I believe he has the athleticism to make the switch to 43 outside linebacker also. He projects as a late round pick who will need a season or two to develop if he is ever going to be more than a backup who earns his keep on special teams.