The Selection Of Devin McCourty
Thursday’s first round of the NFL Draft saw the Patriots trading back twice from No. 22 to No. 27 and Devin McCourty was selected from Rutgers. McCourty spoke to media members Thursday night in a conference call and there was no hiding his reaction and obvious joy at being picked by the New England Patriots.
McCourty said, “I’m just happy to be a Patriot right now, it’s an incredible feeling. Me and my mom, we cried for a little bit. I’m just so happy right now.” McCourty recalled how he had spent time with Patriots Coach Bill Belchick at a coaches’ clinic earlier this month and how it had helped him out.
Say what you want about who the Patriots selected in the first round Thursday night, but don’t doubt that they again played the NFL Draft to an optimal gain.
New England traded down twice in the first round, from No. 22 to No. 27—effectively adding a third-round pick (No. 90 overall) in the process—and then picked Rutgers cornerback Devin McCourty. It’s worth noting that of the five players drafted between 22-27, four were offensive players and one a nose tackle, obviously players the Patriots weren’t looking for.
It’s been assumed the Patriots’ biggest needs were in the front seven, but depth at cornerback was an issue last year. The addition of McCourty puts veteran Shawn Springs and developing players Terrence Wheatley and Darius Butler on notice. The scouting report on McCourty is that he’s great on special teams and in run defense, two things Belichick prizes in his corners.
New England will have three second-round picks and a third-rounder to work with tonight. Despite first-round projected outside linebacker Sergio Kindle of Texas still being available, expect the unexpected.
McCourty was asked what sort of player he was said, “I’m just a guy who comes to play every day…I just feel like I’m a guy that is going to compete every chance he gets.” He also spoke of his work ethic and how he had worked hard to earn his way into the lineup.
