Scouting The Draft: Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
by David_Wyatt on Feb 19, 2010 10:25 AM EST
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Decided to flip back to the cornerback position to end the week, mainly because in Melk Kiper's latest mock draft that some of you have commented on, he has us selecting Devin with the 29th selection. For anyone who doesn't have ESPN Insider or who hasn't seen this yet, here is what Mel had to say about Devin and the Jets at selection 29:
The Jets could use some receiving help for Mark Sanchez here as well, but McCourty is a guy whose stock could skyrocket if he runs the way many think he will. The Jets can get exposed when passers throw away from Darrelle Revis, and McCourty could be the answer on the other side.
I didn't have much coverage of McCourty (Rutgers games are hardly the marquee contests that are shown on a regular basis), so that is why this has taken a little longer than usual. Did manage to drag some out and was quietly impressed. Usually when doing these, I will look at the games, and then look at the stats, and usually they correlate, but when I looked at Devin's stats, I really couldn't believe that he only had 2 interceptions over the last two seasons. He has extremely active hands, and numerous times he went up to make plays. Fortunately his pass defences were up there with the elite.
McCourty is coming off a very good senior bowl week, where he really helped his stock, showing his speed and his active hands, and during the week, he answered some questions from Scout.com about his experience and how he expects the transition to the NFL to go, well you can read all the answers for yourself, but one answer that would interest any Jets fan was when he was asked about which NFL player he patterns his game on:
Darrelle Revis. I watched him play before when we played Pittsburgh. So, he’s definitely a guy I continue to watch.
and how he describes his own game on the field:
Just being able to do a lot of different thing on the field. In addition to playing corner, I love playing special teams. And in college, I’ve been able to make some plays on special teams. I'm just going to use what I’ve learned throughout my college years and try to translate it into the NFL level.
Career Stats:
2005- (RS Freshman)
2006- 13 GP, 38 TKL, 3 PBU, 2 INT (1 returned for a TD).
2007- 13 GP, 63 TKL, 7 PBU, 2 INT (1 returned for a TD) 1 Forced Fumble. 2 PR for 56 yards, 1 KR for 1 yard.
2008- 13 GP, 57 TKL, 7 PBU, 1 INT. 1 PR for 25 yards,
2009- 13 GP, 80 TKL, 10 PBU, 1 INT, 1 FF. 2 PR for 21 yards, 14 KR for 356 yards and a TD.
Career Achievements & Awards
2009- Rutgers MVP
2009- Rutgers defensive MVP
2009- Rutgers Special Teams MVP
2009- Rutgers scholar-athlete
2009- All Big East First Team
More after the jump:
What does Devin McCourty do well?
If you like your cornerbacks to be quick and physical, then you are going to like Devin, that's exactly the kind of player he is. He has excellent straight like speed, could run a low-mid 4.4 at the combine. Is an excellent open field tackler, gets off blocks well on the outside, and wraps the hips/legs to prevent any yards after the catch. He has very good closing speed and reads the QB while also keeping the receiver locked down. Is intelligent enough to not fall for pump fakes or play action, but at the same time he supports the run game quicker than any CB I have seen this year (apart from Haden, because I haven't really looked at him). Very hard worker and won't give up on a play even if the ball is nowhere near him. Although his size is not the best, he hits hard when he needs to, but unlike some others in this class, he doesn't sacrifice the tackle to make a statement hit. Very fluid hips, can make cuts smooth and effortlessly, and plays a good press game. The one thing I really like about Devin is his active hands, and that's why I was surprised he hadn't had more interceptions. Always getting his hands in there on the play, going up and making plays on the ball, won't allow too many easy completions into his coverage, if you want to get yards on him, you are going to have to earn them. Angles, angles, angles......he takes good ones.
What does Devin McCourty need to work on?
Can get blocked out of some plays by bigger receivers,. Devin stands at just 5-11 and 190lb's, he will fight and fight to get off these blocks, but sometimes he comes up short against more physical wide receivers. Can give up a few too many catches in front of him, especially quick little crossing routes or slants, but again you won't get much after the completion. Could find life against more physical receivers harder in general, unless he adds a little more strength.
Final Word
Eyes....open.....new.....player. I don't know how this guy is not being talked about more. He is better in run support than Kyle Wilson, and his coverage is not far off. If he runs a quick 40 time at the combine, which will add to his special teams talent and general defensive ability, I can easily see why Kiper has us taking him at 29. Quite frankly I would like to see him wearing a Jets jersey. He is extremely active with his hands, loves the game, works his tail off in the film room as well the practise field. Seems like the kind of guy that will take on board everything that he is advised to do. Can see him coming in straight away to work on special teams and play the corner. Very impressed with him. There is so much talent at the bottom of the first, top of the second this year, especially at positions we need. On one hand that is great for us, on another, It's not going to be an easy decision for Mike and Rex.
Video Highlights
Unfortunately, like we have come across with some schools so far, coverage is limited, so I could only find his return highlights. If I get time this weekend and can work out how to do it, will get some highlights that I have and upload them:
My top 5 order of preference (In no particular order)
Jerry Hughes
Devin McCourty
Perrish Cox
Jared Odrick
Brandon Graham
**- I haven't soured on Jordan Shipley in the slightest, but it seems that right now, everyone has him as a second round prospect, so have dropped him from the first round preference list.
Other GGN Scouting Articles
Scouting The Draft, Jerry Hughes, OLB, TCU
Scouting The Draft, Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
Scouting The Draft, Eric Norwood, OLB, South Carolina
Scouting The Draft, Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati
Scouting The Draft, Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
Scouting The Draft, Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas
Scouting The Draft, Ricky Sapp, OLB, Clemson
Scouting The Draft, Chad Jones, S, LSU
Scouting The Draft, Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
Scouting The Draft, Dominique Franks, CB, Oklahoma
Scouting The Draft, Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
Scouting The Draft, Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State
Scouting The Draft, Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
Scouting The Draft, Donovan Warren, CB,Michigan
Scouting The Draft, Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
Scouting The Draft, Taylor Mays, S, USC
Scouting The Draft, Brandon Graham, Michigan
Scouting The Draft, Damian Williams
Scouting The Draft, Jared Odrick, DE, Penn State
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I go to Rutgers so I’m extremely biased on this but I would love to see them get Devin McCourty. I think he’s a really good player and also a very cool guy (I had a class with him last year). He’s also younger, less injury prone, and a heck of a lot cheaper than Lito.
I like McCourty too.
I went to NRHS, so I naturally followed Ray Rice quite closely as he dominated the big east and put Rutgers on the map again. After he left, I continued to watch guys like Tim Brown and Mike Teel, now Tom Savage, and I always liked McCourty, just thought his “unknownedness” would bring him to the second or 3rd round. Kid can definitely play.
"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring; besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. It's more democratic."
- CRASH DAVIS
McCourty
If McCourty has the speed to play CB in the NFL he’ll be a good one. He’s a little bit undersized and lacks upper body strength on a thin frame but will stick his helmet
in there and gives you what he’s got.
If McCourty goes out and runs under a 4.45-40 and interviews well at the Combine
he could be gone by the time the Jets 1st round pick rolls around, which knowing
Tannanbaum wouldn’t really matter all that much.
Tannenbaum has done pretty well lately with a less is more strategy on draft day.
Instead of merely drafting bodies to compete at camp he’d been targeting players
he likes and seems very content coming out of the draft with only 2-3 players then
using free agency and the waiver wire to find the depth every team needs.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Jets move up in the first round of the draft to grab
McCourty or even Dunlop if either turns out to be the guy the Jets deem ready to fill
their needs at either pass rusher and/or CB. Given the lack of options open to the
Jets this offseason thanks to no CBA I’d look for them to either move up in the draft
or possibly sign a player tagged by another team given they are drafting at the #29
spot in the draft.
That scouting report sounds exactly like a lot of Revis's scouting reports back in '07
like, almost to a T. Which is pretty friggin’ exciting to say the least.
Sounds like this is our guy. Only San Diego would create mismatch problems in terms of larger more physical receivers and with Rex’s front 7 creating no time for Rivers, I cant imagine it being a huge concern. I think he is a better choice than trying to acquire Cromartie, bringing back Lito, and I think he could match up against Garcon/Welker which is something we dont have.
And I’m curious since I’m new to the site, what about Hughes do you like over Graham. I am a big Brandon Graham fan and I think if he fell to us it’d be a huge steal.
I don’t really like Hughes over Graham, the top 5 list is in no particular order.
Writer/Assistant editor
Eternal optimist
New York Jets
Gang Green Nation
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Ha, no problem
Writer/Assistant editor
Eternal optimist
New York Jets
Gang Green Nation
www.ganggreennation.com
No sooner do you cover him, Todd McShay came out with an article for insiders stating that after watching more film of McCourty that he could start moving up draft boards. He claims he could go as high as 19 now. Why is it all the guys I’ve like for months now (Graham, Kindle, Cox, Odrick, Wilson, McCourty, etc.) all keep flying up draft charts and projecting into the 1st round. I was hoping to get a few of these guys, and now I feel like we’ll be lucky if we get one.
by psychobabble on Feb 20, 2010 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
No way should we take him in the 1st round. 6 picks in 4 years against BAD Big East QBs doesn’t exactly scream playmaker! Maybe at the end of the 2nd round but no sooner.
Picks are kind of a useless stat.
You can not ever pick a pass off and be the best CB in the league (Nnamdi), or you can pick a bunch of passes off and be totally garbage. Every pick is different. If you cover so well you don’t get thrown at, how are you going to get interceptions? You must have really hated the Darrelle Revis pick. Stupid cornerbacks from the stupid big east.
"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring; besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. It's more democratic."
- CRASH DAVIS
picks are completely overrated
First off, look at a guy like Asante Samuel. That guy will make some great interceptions and he will always be among the league leaders but if you talk to any Eagles fan they will tell you that he gets burned way too often. Then you look at guys like Revis and Nnamdi and who might have between four and six picks a year and yet will lead the league in passes defended. I will always take the player that consistently breaks up passes over a player that gambles for a big play and could get burned
by airamerica11 on Feb 19, 2010 5:13 PM EST up reply actions
And the ironic part is that Revis didn't do a whole ton of intercepting
playing against (as goods252 so intelligently put it) a bunch of big east scrubs. Stupid moron Tannenbaum, picked that stupid cornerback from Pittsburgh, played in the stupid big east, and now he is the stupidest best cornerback in the league.
"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring; besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. It's more democratic."
- CRASH DAVIS
You have scouted around 20 players so far
that around 10 of them seem to maybe go from anywhere from last 1st or late 2nd so we got to think at the end of draft day we will have 2 of these guys. I really think 1 cornerback will fall to us in the 2nd so why not go for a different need in the first
JETS
Which need
do you suggest? If you saw someone who modeled their game after Revis available round 1, you wouldn’t take him?
So who do you want to take in the first
Hughes? Graham? Odrick? I think a CB is the pick to make in the first. Biggest need, and a lot of talent. No guarantee it is still there in the second.
"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring; besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. It's more democratic."
- CRASH DAVIS
So are we really comparing McCourty to Revis?
If he wasn’t local would you still want him? Sheppard is horrible but would still be an upgrade over McCourty . But I guess we should all just believe the scouting reports
He has the study habits, hips, and willingness to be physical like Revis. Will he too be a #1 corner in the league? Probably not. But I think our biggest concern is our inability to cover guys like Welker or Garcon/Collie and I think Devin could certainly help there. Interceptions are a luxury for a DB, but coverage skills is a necessity.
Lol
So are we really comparing McCourty to Revis?
If he wasn’t local would you still want him? Sheppard is horrible but would still be an upgrade over McCourty . But I guess we should all just believe the scouting reports
No, it is definitely better to make assumptions on a player based on what conference he plays in, knowing literally nothing else about him. I definitely think you didn’t even know Revis was a Big East product also, or you wouldn’t have said something so stupid as why would you pick a guy with limited interceptions in a crappy big east division. All I’m saying is, if you don’t like McCourty, there is no way you could have liked Revis, based on what you posted above.
"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring; besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. It's more democratic."
- CRASH DAVIS
We need a CB or a DE!!!! We should be trying to shop Ellis, I still cant believe we gave up John Abraham
Lol.
Yes, John Abraham, a pass rusher, would have really thrived in the 3-4 DE spot. Why are there soe many fools who feel like we need to get rid of Ellis?
"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring; besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. It's more democratic."
- CRASH DAVIS
Plus, half of our fanbase doesn't even understand what 3-4 means.
Otherwise we wouldn’t be seeing talk about trying to get rid of Ellis everyday. Ellis is 2 inches shorter and almost 25 pounds heavier then Abraham. Abraham isn’t a 3-4 guy. Ellis was bigger, so he was able to make a transition. I get that Ellis sack numbers are down, but any 4-3 DE would see their numbers plummet playing 3-4 DE. It is the nature of the position. 3-4 DE’s don’t get numbers. It is extremely rare, even the very best of them don’t put up numbers. With Abraham and his questions of whether he went all out all the time, he would be a horrible fit as a 3-4 DE.
"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring; besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. It's more democratic."
- CRASH DAVIS
2 inches taller
"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring; besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. It's more democratic."
- CRASH DAVIS
Abraham is definitely an OLB in the 3-4.
Editor-In-Chief
Gang Green Nation
SB Nation's Jets Blog
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Yes.
No way is he is a 3-4 DE, and no guarantee he would have been able to play the 3-4 OLB after playing at the 4-3 DE for his whole career and never having to actually cover anybody. I just hate that some people are so ignorant to the differences between the 3-4 and 4-3 they think you can have a guy like Dwight Freeney come in here and play DE in the 3-4, when they are completely and entirely different positions.
"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring; besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. It's more democratic."
- CRASH DAVIS
Its funny how one game can change the entire perspective of our D.
I don’t think anybody was screaming for a corner until the Indy game. Not saying I’m against a corner, but a lot of us have been wishing for a pass rusher all season. And as they say, “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.” I’d like to have a slot slot-guy on our team thats like a Welker or Garcon.
I’d love if our first two picks were Hughes/Shipley (whatever the order), but i’d at least like to make sure were had one of those two before we started looking for a corner.
Remember folks, with Revis we take out the top WR and roll coverage the other way. We don’t need a top-level guy on the other side. Would it be nice if we did? Hell yeah. But absolutely necessary? Nope.
Pass-rusher and slot WR is more pressing. Might even go looking for OL and DT before corner.
I take it this is assuming we re-sign Lito? because not sure I would be comfortable with Coleman/Lowery combination on the other side, even rolling coverage.,
Writer/Assistant editor
Eternal optimist
New York Jets
Gang Green Nation
www.ganggreennation.com
I just meant plug in someone servicable and not waste our first pick on one. Seems like a hole that could be plugged in FA I don’t hate the idea of going corner with one of our first two picks, but i’d prefer pass-rusher/slot guy (and I think Hughes and Shipley will be players).
Yet again we don't see eye to eye
I hardly consider it a waste unless we draft the next david barrett or justin miller. How many games did we lose in the final 2 minutes this season because our D couldn’t perform on the final drive? How many times did Lito get flagged or burned? Their were 3 complaints about the Jets D. One is we can’t stop a secondary receiver. Another is we have no matchups against receiving TEs. And third, our linebackers were consistent.
Offensively you can say TJ was inconsistent. I know he finished high in the rankings but a lot of the season he would average 1-2 ypc then break one.
Mark Sanchez was learning the game and intangibles. We lacked a downfield threat WR. Edwards at least gave us a threat, and Sanchez started getting comfortable during the stretch. I don’t think offense is where we spend our top pick this draft. It would be bad if we took 3 offensive players consecutively in the first rounds.
We had the number one passing D in the league. Secondary receivers were a non-factor aside from two games: 2nd Pats game where Welker went crazy (not really a secondary guy though since he led league in receiving); and Garcon in the AFCC. Coverage wasn’t a problem throughout the season.
Ive been critical of TJ througout the year, but to label him inconsistent is begging for an argument. He defines consistency. I think Shipley is the kind of WR every top-flight offense needs. He’s hard-nosed and seems to have a knack for running precise routes and probably would be adept at sitting down in the soft spot of zones. I think he could be a reliable 3rd down and move the chains guy, a la Welker or Chrebet. The offense would be set for years.
We definitely need an edge pass-rusher. A guy that can consistently beat one-on-one match-ups and command a double-team. I think Hughes could be that guy. He reminds me of Freeney. He’s explosive. As effective as our blitzing scheme was last year, we didnt have that kind of guy. If we add that to the mix, plus have a healthy Jenkins going into the post-season, our blitzes would be unstoppable. We would be SCARY.
I don’t mind going corner. I don’t hate it. But a good edge rusher would take our D to another level. A good slot WR would do the same for our O, and all the places would be set for the next 3-5 years.
I always thought the second corner spot was something we should address,
if only because it is a semi weakness and we don’t have to many other big weaknesses, might as well try to turn a small weakness(Lito) into a strength. The thing is, we actually have an opening at out other CB spot right now. We have Pace and Thomas playing OLB, with Gholston still here also, I would rather go Kyle Wilson over Hughes, especially with Rex’s ability to find pass rushers late in the draft, or guys who go undrafted all together. I have CB as a bigger need then WR or pass rusher.
"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring; besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. It's more democratic."
- CRASH DAVIS
You can not say that TJ was not inconsistent. The first 3 games he was completely ineffective, except for 3 long TD runs. Then he was very solid and under rated. Then he tired out as the season went on. I’m not sure you can debate that. If inconsistent is not the right word for that I apologize.
Secondly, it seems like you are going by the “if its not broke, don’t fix it motto.” The reason our pass D was effective was Rex was confusing quarterbacks with the front 7 and every teams #1 receiver was lost on Revis Island. What happens when teams target the weak link more? We face the Patriots 2×. We got lucky Welker was injured for the first. And if you want to go to the Super Bowl you have to take care of Welker. You need to have someone who can neutralize Garcon. Santonio Holmes or Hines Ward. Bess is emerging in Miami and if he ever gets polished enough he too will be a matchup problem. Lee Evans if the Bills ever get a decent QB. I really don’t want Dwight Lowery being the full time corner on any of those guys. I think we can all assume Lito will be cut with that bonus he is due and I don’t see how we can just sign someone to fill that hole.
Pass Rusher? Yeah if Graham is there you bet I want us to take him. Odrick, heck yes I’d like him too. And address secondary depth in the 2nd round. But I don’t really want to hear about a WR especially with the first pick unless its Dez Bryant which just isn’t happening. Keller will be working the slot more as he gets polished. And not to mention the scheme is still a run oriented offense to eat up the clock and give the defense some rest.
I agree with that, when you look deeper at this, our corner depth is pretty damn bad, we have Revis who is obviously a given. Then we have Lito who will be cut, no way we pay that bonus, and does he re-sign with us? even if we want him to, being dropped in the Championship game is a bitter pill to swallow. Then we have Coleman who is a RFA, we can’t tender him, the guy is terrible. Then we have Strickaland who is serviceable, but injured every other week, and that’s in a good year. Then we are down to Marquice Cole who is not starting material, and is Lowery a #2?? Very dodgy stuff. So while I would like to upgrade all three areas, pass rush/CB and WR slot, it doesn’t look like we will be able to do that without trading for more picks.
If we had two 2nd round selections this year, we are laughing all the way to the bank……or the Superbowl. Just imagine, Graham or Odrick……Cox or McCourty and Shipley…I know that is nearly impossible, because where are we getting the value for the 2nd round selection. Just thinking how good it would be though, thought I would share that.
Writer/Assistant editor
Eternal optimist
New York Jets
Gang Green Nation
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I don’t think its out of the question; and its a great idea. We could trade our 29 to an early 2nd rd straight up (maybe even use the moment to leverage a little more), somebody is going to see somebody on the board that they didnt think would be there and will want to jump and grab him. Maybe we could trade Clemens for a fourth, then package that fourth and our third for a late second rounder. We could end up with 3 second round picks in this draft, which would be great. I don’t doubt Mr. T being aggressive. It could happen.
At 29 I’m not sure how we could trade down. The Patriots have multiple second round picks but its the Patriots. I think the best we can do is take a Odrick or Graham if one of those two is available. I’m guessing it will be around this time corners will start to go and as much as I hate to say it, we look at trading next years and this years 2nd to move back into the early 2nd round. One thing about Tannenbaum is once he’s identified someone he aggressively trades up, almost never settling for a player to fall to him.
And we really have no depth to trade away that other teams covet. We could trade Shonn Greene or Leon Washington but then we’d really have another problem.
Although we don't have a lot of picks this year....
trading up is something I’ve thought about. If Mike T and Rex find that one guy who they feel is a lock down corner, or an elite pass rusher, is it worth it to move up for him? On a team with so few needs, a team that came so close, would one very big impact player on defense be more valuable then maybe 2 or 3 solid complimentary players? Not sure. Been going back and forth on this.
"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring; besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. It's more democratic."
- CRASH DAVIS
Absolutely.
But I think those sure-fire guys are out of our range. Im thinking of Suh, McCoy, Berry, and Haden. Those are the ones worth selling out for. But nobody is going to trade away those guys for later-rounders. The later-rounders are more of an unknown. The bust-factor is much higher.
Amari Spivey
Hey David Wyatt,
Can you do a scouting report on Amari Spivey from Iowa? i think he will run a good forty at the combine. The only reason his 40 time on record is so high is he had a toe injury at the time. He has good size. If he has the speed to go along with it, he will be a terror. Coach ferinz (however u spell that) and his d coor call him the best and most talented db they had since they have been coaching at Iowa. That is high praise from a well respected defensive coach. I think he could be a steal in the second round.
OLB is the way to go in the 1st round. I like Jerry Hughes, he has more upside than Graham. A quicker first step and taller.
Absolutely, will start looking into him tomorrow, and can expect it up sometime next week. Have seen Spivey a few times this season. Good physical player, not the best in run support but his coverage skills were impressive from what I remember.
Writer/Assistant editor
Eternal optimist
New York Jets
Gang Green Nation
www.ganggreennation.com
Absolute still in the second!!!!
I hope he falls man. I think your off on your analysis so far, but I know you haven’t started researching yet. The only knock on is his speed. Run support was his shining plus. He is not lacking confidence, http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2010/01/nfl-draft-prospect-amari-spievey.html. We need get this kid. The funny thing to me is why he is so low rated. He was first team all american by the coaches, ahead of Donovan Warren. His stats are low because no one throws at him.
If and when he post a good forty he will shoot up the draft boards. He probably didn’t here it here first but mark it down.
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