Spotlight: Devin McCourty (CB, Rutgers)

I grew up in New Jersey watching Rutgers from the stands singing "Hoo Rah Hoo Rah Rutgers Ra" every game watching the program slowly ascend the rankings of the college football elite. They are still not there yet, but if you look at the amount of prospects being drafted now and where they are being drafted compared to five years ago, you can see the program getting much stronger. The prospect I'd like to focus on is cornerback Devin McCourty.
His brother, Jason, is now playing for the Tennessee Titans. He was a sixth round draft pick last year, but do to little depth in the secondary he started part way through the year.
Devin, who was back in school in 2009 because of a redshirt his freshman year, took advantage of the sole spotlight. He had 80 tackles and ten pass breakups this past season and anchored the defense that lost multiple players to the NFL last year. Also, McCourty is a tremendous special teams player, which will raise his draft stock because he can come in from day 1 and contribute in ST while making the adjustment to being an NFL CB. He is a very sound player and does not have many holes in his game. He isn't flashy and wont stand out except on special teams where he can block punts and change a game. But, at corner he will do his job quietly and efficiently. He is getting comparisons to Ronde Barber from Tampa Bay. That is a pretty good player to be compared to. Barber has been to multiple Pro Bowls and is very consistent in his play. He is also a great leader and a very talented defensive back.
McCourty also is very good against the run. He is a strong tackler and is able to consistently wrap up the ball carrier. That is the biggest weakness of most NFL corners. Asante Samuel has missed the most tackles I have ever seen and I think is one of the worst tacklers in football. Any team could use a corner that is sound in coverage, man and zone, and also attacks the run, tackles well and can read the quarterback well. He can blow up screen plays, which is Sheldon Brown-esc. The bottom line is McCourty is a very solid player with leadership ability and few, if any, holes. He can immediately contribute on special teams and he wont be far off from contributing on defense as well. Any team that takes him will have a very strong, well-rounded corner for years.