The 2009 NFL Draft was a historic day for football in the state of New Jersey. Seven players selected in the first round had either played collegiately, on the high school level, or originally been from the state. One of those players, Kenny Britt, became the first Rutgers Scarlet Knight to ever be selected in the first round. The rise of football in New Jersey will continue this weekend at the 75th NFL Draft in New York City, and there may be two Rutgers players selected in the opening round.

Anthony Davis and Devin McCourty arrived at Rutgers under much different circumstances, yet are leaving together on the same night. Davis, a prototypical NFL left tackle, chose Rutgers over Ohio State and came with the promise of being the most talented player the school had ever seen. McCourty, a physical bump and run cornerback, came to Rutgers because it was the only scholarship offer that he received . Over their three seasons playing together in Piscataway, Davis and McCourty helped lead Rutgers to 25 victories, which is good for the second best three year stretch in school history.

Davis possesses all the tools to be great, while McCourty comes across as the hardest worker in the building. These traits are the overwhelming sentiment coming out of NFL circles heading into the draft. Davis will likely be picked higher because 6’6” 325 can’t be taught. He has the size and strength to protect the quarterback’s blind side on the next level. McCourty has grown leaps and bounds from his freshman year. He is now a polished corner who projects to be at least a #2 corner in the NFL. His stellar play on special teams will help him see the field early and often.