So let's take a good look at McCourty, shall we?

[Kontradiction]

Here's his overview, analysis, etc.

Devin McCourty, Rutgers, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

McCourty's sensational senior season certainly grabbed the attention of scouts. He's now primed to grab the national attention that has mysteriously eluded him since arriving on campus as a 175-pound freshman.

The statistical table does not really show the true measure of McCourty's importance or value to the Scarlet Knights' success. Since taking over as a starter as a sophomore, the defensive back has more than lived up to the challenge of shutting down his main pass coverage assignments. Always known for his punt- and kick-coverage ability, he added a wrinkle to his game, proving to be one of the more electrifying kickoff returners in the nation, evident by his average of 27.91 yards per attempt.

In the last 38 contests, Rutgers has allowed the opposition to complete 572-of-1,038 passes (55.11 percent) for 7,144 yards, 36 touchdowns and 32 interceptions. Against McCourty, the Scarlet Knights opponents attempted 249 throws, completing just 88 (35.34 percent) for 684 yards and only two scores, an average of 7.77 yards per pass completion. He has allowed just 2.75 yards per pass attempt, the lowest figure of any active player in the Big East Conference.

While those figures are very impressive, they do not tell the entire story of this shutdown cornerback's ability. Against his main pass coverage assignments, McCourty has held those receivers to only 42 receptions for 386 yards on 158 passes targeted into his area, meaning that quarterbacks have completed just 26.58 percent of those tosses and their intended targets were limited to 9.19 yards per pass completion and 2.44 yards per attempt.

Those same receivers averaged 33.84 catches for 430.05 yards (12.71 yards per catch) and 2.47 touchdowns per season vs. other cornerbacks they faced. Devin has proven to be an excellent press coverage defender, as his excellent field vision has seen him make plays on the ball 45.39 percent of the time outside his area, coming to the aid after a teammate had blown an assignment. He has jammed/rerouted those pass catchers away from 148 incomplete attempts (average of 3.84 per game), the most of any cornerback in the Division I ranks during that span.

Read & React: Reads receiver's body language to see if his man is the primary target. Quick to jump routes because he reads the quarterback well. Doesn't bite on stop-and-go routes. Supports the run quickly, even when the play is between the tackles or on the other side of the field.

Man Coverage: Can press or play off effectively. Has fluid hips, transitions smoothly and stays low and is quick in his backpedal. Sticks to receivers on their routes, showing excellent change of direction. Plays more physically than you would expect for his size, using his hands to jam on the line and maintain contact downfield. Larger receivers will use their size to shield him from slants and crossing patterns.

Zone Coverage: Should make a very good zone corner in the NFL. Good awareness, keeping one eye on the short receiver and another on any players trying to hit the hole behind him. Comes off his man to react to a ball in the air. Makes the easy interception, goes up to get the ball and has strong hands. Will freelance when no receiver lines up on his side, leaving his zone open.

Closing/Recovery: Baits quarterbacks into throwing in his direction, closing very well when the ball is in front of him. Good plant and drive with body control. Takes the proper angle to the receiver. Lacks elite speed, but can recover quickly enough when picked on crossing or drag routes to make the tackle.

Run Support: Very willing (and able) to support the run. Attacks running backs coming into his area, bringing them down with veracity. Holds up his man to force plays inside. Hustles across the field to plays on the opposite sideline. Tough player, but still lacks the size to consistently get off downfield blocks from larger receivers.

Tackling: Wiry strong and solid in his tackling technique. Brings his hips and wraps ballcarriers when straight-on in his sights. Doesn't give up many yards after catch. Attacks screens, even after push off from larger receivers. Avoids blocks in the open field, usually wrapping a leg instead of cutting. Rarely misses completely, even against elusive runners. Should be one of the better special teams players in his class.

Intangibles: Reliable veteran who loves to play the game. Took a leadership role in 2009 with Jason McCourty and safety Courtney Greene in the NFL. Very good student who made multiple Big East All-Academic teams.

NFL Comparison: Ronde Barber, Buccaneers

In 52 games at Rutgers, McCourty started the last 39 contests at weak-side cornerback, recording 238 tackles (149 solos) with a 4-yard sack (two assisted), 14.0 stops for minus-34 yards, two pressures, two forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries … Deflected 27 passes and intercepted six others for 105 yards in returns (17.5-yard average) and two touchdowns … Also blocked seven kicks (six punts, one field goal) for 102 yards in returns, as six blocks led to Rutgers scoring drives (also scored on an interception return, another on a kickoff return, had two other pass thefts that set up Scarlet Knights scoring drives and a fumble recovery that led to a Rutgers touchdown

Height - 5'10"
Weight - 193 lbs.
Arm Length - 32"
40 yard dash - 4.48
3-Cone - 6.70
20-yard shuttle - 4.07
Bench Press - 16
Vertical Jump - 36
Broad Jump - 126

72 tackles, 1 FF, 1.0 INT's

Devin McCourty 2010 NFL Combine Results - ESPN

YouTube - Draft Capsule: Devin McCourty
YouTube - Devin McCourty Touchdown Return: Rutgers Vs UConn
YouTube - Devin McCourty Highlights
YouTube - Devin McCourty vs. USF

 

[Kontradiction]

All in all, McCourty appears to be an excellent special teams return man (will it be him or Tate as our returner of the future). On defense, he displays great instincts, excellent closing speed, fluid hips, and the want to tackle and come up in run support. While CB in the first round might have been a a reach, at first glance McCourty looks to be a solid pick for our secondary. With the safety position all but stacked and the CB position having a first rounder join the ranks of Bodden and Butler, I have to think that we're looking at D-Line and LB tomorrow (sprinkle in some hope for Golden Tate).

 

[Joker]

informative post...thanx K

 

[The Dynasty]

Such a disappointing pick, passing up Odrick and Bryant to select him. The secondary was one of our strong areas on the roster that includes glaring gaps that need immediate attention. I am still very confused with this pick.

Looking at some mocks, he was projected as a late 2nd or 3rd round pick on average. It would be interesting to see if he would have been available with our 1st 2nd round pick, it wouldnt surprise me if he would still have been. Is anyone else as confused and frustrated as me?

 

[Kontradiction]

No problem. It always helps to look at all of the information available. I'm still not that high on the pick but at least it appears that we snagged a good CB/STer.

 

[amazinPats]

Damned informative stuff! Good homework!

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Such a disappointing pick, passing up Odrick and Bryant to select him. The secondary was one of our strong areas on the roster that includes glaring gaps that need immediate attention. I am still very confused with this pick.

Looking at some mocks, he was projected as a late 2nd or 3rd round pick on average. It would be interesting to see if he would have been available with our 1st 2nd round pick, it wouldnt surprise me if he would still have been. Is anyone else as confused and frustrated as me?

Bodden and Butler are good, but, as others have noted, CB3 could be upgraded. Perhaps Wilhite/Wheatley/Springs (all under contract for two more seasons) could be traded. . . .

 

[The Dynasty]

Bodden and Butler are good, but, as others have noted, CB3 could be upgraded. Perhaps Wilhite/Wheatley/Springs (all under contract for two more seasons) could be traded. . . .

Not at the top of the list for needs for this team though, too many needs that are much more important than the CB position

 

[Patspsycho]

Apparently McCourty will NOT be a ST. BB has called him a four-down player, twice.

Belichick likes 'four-down' player - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

 

[BelichickFan]

Looking at some mocks, he was projected as a late 2nd or 3rd round pick on average. It would be interesting to see if he would have been available with our 1st 2nd round pick, it wouldnt surprise me if he would still have been. Is anyone else as confused and frustrated as me?

Did you watch the draft instead of looking at mocks ? There are no top CB left. There's tons of WR, OLB, etc.

Now, I'm biased as McCourty was my pick (him or Kareem Jackson but Jackson was gone) but in a passing league to get a top CB who loves playing football and is a great ST player - it's a great pick, on paper anyway.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Not at the top of the list for needs for this team though, too many needs that are much more important than the CB position

As far as BB is concerned, enough to warrant selecting him now as opposed to waiting until later.

[I'll wait until the end of round two before I freak out about the pass rush or lack thereof.]

 

[Nikolai]

Not at the top of the list for needs for this team though, too many needs that are much more important than the CB position

I'm not so sure. The CB situation cost us the Saints game, and (with the pass rush) cost us the Colts game. I might even go so far as to say it cost us the Miami game as well.

The problem with our offense was scheme related and it was still one of the top five offenses in the league. The hole with Welker out is a problem for sure, but I was never expecting the draft alone to fix that.

 

[BelichickFan]

Apparently McCourty will NOT be a ST. BB has called him a four-down player, twice.

"NOT be a ST" ??? That's what he means by four down, isn't it ? 1st, 2nd, 3rd on defense and 4th on ST.

 

[The Dynasty]

As far as BB is concerned, enough to warrant selecting him now as opposed to waiting until later.

[I'll wait until the end of round two before I freak out about the pass rush or lack thereof.]

Thats the only good thing I can think of is that there are still plenty of quality players out there that fit the needs of the team, and we have 3 picks in the 2nd round. I am not freaking out yet, but am a little confused.

 

[Crazy Patriot Guy]

Not at the top of the list for needs for this team though, too many needs that are much more important than the CB position

I can easily understand that. However, just filling needs doesn't always work out.

I've been looking at a lot of the past drafts recently. Look back at all the teams that "filled every need" based on instant reaction and then see how many times you say "Who?" when looking at their picks now. Believe me, it's a lot.

Still a lot of draft left and a lot of picks to make.

 

[Yfz01]

Such a disappointing pick, passing up Odrick and Bryant to select him. The secondary was one of our strong areas on the roster that includes glaring gaps that need immediate attention. I am still very confused with this pick.

Looking at some mocks, he was projected as a late 2nd or 3rd round pick on average. It would be interesting to see if he would have been available with our 1st 2nd round pick, it wouldnt surprise me if he would still have been. Is anyone else as confused and frustrated as me?

Vikings entertained the thought of trading up for him. The Jets wanted him. And the Saints clearly didn't get the guy they wanted (Who wants Robinson?)

No way he would have dropped any further.

 

[The Dynasty]

I'm not so sure. The CB situation cost us the Saints game, and (with the pass rush) cost us the Colts game. I might even go so far as to say it cost us the Miami game as well.

The problem with our offense was scheme related and it was still one of the top five offenses in the league. The hole with Welker out is a problem for sure, but I was never expecting the draft alone to fix that.

We werent winning the Saints game no matter who was in our secondary, yeah the defense (secondary) probably had a lot to do with the loss to the Colts. The Miami game, that was more on the offense. Way too many 3 and outs in the 2nd half putting too much pressure on the defense.

A pass rush would have helped in all of those games and just helped the defense in general. Adding a pass rusher was definitely the teams biggest need and hopefully it is addressed tomorrow with Kindle

 

[mosslost]

The more I let it sink in, the more I like the guy for what he will bring. I'm still torn on where we got him weighing what was available. I'm sure BB was thinking he could get similar value for other positions of need with the RD 2 picks, or maybe even the potential picks themselves if the fall enough. Seems that CB was the way to go with it seeming to be a hot commodity later in round.

 

[emoney_33]

A pass rush would have helped in all of those games and just helped the defense in general. Adding a pass rusher was definitely the teams biggest need and hopefully it is addressed tomorrow with Kindle

There are MANY good players left that can help the pass rush... Do you not understand the run on CB and the fact that McCourty has the potential to be a very rare and valuable 4 down player?

 

[Lockdown24]

i'm shocked pats fans dislike this pick as much as they do. i'm more than happy the jets got kyle wilson but if the board fell such that we ended up with mccourty, i would have loved that pick as well. my only problem is the pats passed on bryant. if you look at strictly talent, he's probably top 5 along with berry, bradford, suh and mccoy. that said, he'll probably end up as your starting cb opposite bodden so I don't get all this uproar...