Philadelphia Eagles rookie Mac McWilliams silences critics with message about perceived flaw

Philadelphia Eagles 2025 fifth-round pick Mac McWilliams isn't the biggest cornerback out there at 5-foot-10 and 191 pounds, but that doesn't mean he thinks small. 

“I try really not to think about it,” McWilliams told reporters at rookie minicamp over the weekend. “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).”

McWilliams' smaller size did not keep him from having a successful college career. 

In his lone season at UCF after transferring from UAB, McWilliams made an immediate impact as a defensive standout. The Pensacola native started 11 games during the 2024 season, posting 32 total tackles (25 solo), 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, and one forced fumble. His strong performance earned him UCF’s highest defensive grade from Pro Football Focus, with an impressive 81.6 rating. 

As McWilliams adjusts to the next level, he refuses to let his size or doubters hold him back. 

“I have always been the littlest guy so just having the right mindset, taking everything for what it is," McWilliams said. "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.”

It’s still too early to know exactly how the Eagles will use McWilliams, but his ability to play both nickel and outside corner makes him an exciting player to watch. That versatility gives him a real shot to push the vets and earn snaps during training camp. 

“Whatever the team needs,” he said. “Whether it’s special teams, whether it’s offense, defense, anything. Whatever the team needs. Having them vet guys here, talking to me, getting me a little bit of knowledge. I’m just soaking it all in.”