ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – Devin McCourty was a disappointment.
That’s what he heard when he first started his career in New England. After an All-Pro season as a rookie cornerback, McCourty was battered. He was beaten on the field by opposing receivers and beaten up by the media and fans alike. He remembers hearing that he was a disappointing first-round draft pick.
Then the Patriots moved him to safety.
McCourty was angry. He was in the third season and started to think about his contract. He imagined being a free agent and leaving Foxborough.