Following his Pro Bowl season as a rookie in 2010, New England Patriots cornerback Devin McCourty struggled with consistency in 2011 and was eventually moved to safety late in the season.
Heading into the 2012 OTAs, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports that McCourty is working at both positions and is not quite sure where he'll play this season.
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"There's no one set position," McCourty said on Monday. "If I knew, I would tell you."
Given the secretive nature of the Patriots organization, we doubt that. But just as the Patriots are known for secrecy, they're also known for preaching and valuing versatility in their players. Whether it's wide receiver Troy Brown playing cornerback or linebacker Mike Vrabel playing tight end in goal line situations, the Patriots like to use their players in a variety of ways.
Currently, McCourty is penciled in as a starting cornerback, but in certain personnel groupings, could be moved to safety with free agent addition Steve Gregory, who is projected to start at free safety, moving up to play corner in nickel and dime situations. Cross-training players at multiple positions in the offseason is nothing new and McCourty would not be surprised if he played multiple positions again in 2012.
"Here? To tell you the truth, I wouldn't have told you 'no way' at all," McCourty said. "We've got guys that played offense and defense. To think a guy can't move and play some corner and some safety, I don't think it's crazy."
