Because of suspensions, we’re unlikely to see Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Patriots running back LaGarrette Blount when the 2015 NFL season opens up on Thursday, September 10.
Those guys may be missing, but Patriots safety Devin McCourty thinks the crowd at Gilette Stadium will still get a chance to watch the best wide receiver in the NFL go about his business. During an appearance on ESPN Thursday, McCourty revealed his top five at the position and put Antonio Brown at the top of the list.
“I think this is one of the hardest positions to even evaluate. Because first of all, you look at the receiver position and the first thing you want to do is put these freak athletes like Calvin Johnson, Dez Bryant [at the top],” McCourty said, via CSNNE.com. “But I started my list with Antonio Brown. We talk about all these guys that are big and talented and fast -- they can do everything. But this little guy led all receivers last year. He did everything while still punt returning. You can look at everything that a guy brings to the table, but don’t disregard production and I thought he was the No. 1 productive receiver last year so I put him there.”
Brown led the league in catches and receiving yards last season, so there’s not much of an argument about his productivity. With the Patriots breaking in an overhauled cornerback group, McCourty will play a big role in making sure Brown doesn’t get off to a good start in his attempt to repeat as the champ in those two categories.