OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens had a strong presence at Rutgers cornerback Devin McCourty's Pro Day workout Wednesday with secondary coach Chuck Pagano running the drills with director of college scouting Joe Hortiz observing from the sidelines.
Plus, Ravens running back Ray Rice cheered on his former Rutgers teammates during a workout session that was broadcast live on the Internet.
“I need Devin on the Ravens," Rice told reporters. "I'm here trying to draw attention to him."
McCourty is a potential late first-round draft pick who improved his stock at the NFL scouting combine with 40-yard dash times in the 4.4 range.
By all accounts, he had another strong workout back on the Rutgers campus as Pagano put him through a diverse battery of drills to test his range, hands, acceleration and flexibility.
McCourty blocked seven kicks at Rutgers and intercepted four passes during his final three seasons.
What separates McCourty from the large pack of talented cornerbacks jockeying for position?
"I think being a complete football player and not just a corner or a nickel," McCourty said during the NFL scouting combine. "Being able to do everything a coach wants on special teams, too."
The 5-foot-10, 193-pounder is known for his cover skills and athleticism.
And he offers another dimension with his work on special teams.
"He might be the best special-teams value in the draft in addition to being a potential starting corner," NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said. "He's a gunner and a jammer, and he's a return guy. I think he could fit in quickly in the nickel package. He's a very, very physical defensive back. Most people have him going in the second round, but he could be a legitimate late first-round pick."
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If he's the Ray Rice of CBs, then I'm all for the Ravens drafting him.
McCourty would definitely be someone I would like to have on the Ravens next season. Behind Haden and Kyle Wilson, he's probably the 3rd best corner in the draft, and late first round seems exactly where he'd be going. Would help solidify the special teams, and of course helps the team get younger in the secondary. Plus, if Ray Rice likes him, then so do I.
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Mar 11, 2010
02:49 PM
McCourty would be an instant upgrade on both special teams and at the cornerback position which would make the Ravens better so if he's there I would be surprised to see the Ravens pass on him. Solid player, and I would wait till the 2nd round to address the tight end position (Jimmy Graham from Miami comes to mind).