Patriots kickoff 2016: A look at Malcolm Butler
Star cornerback Malcolm Butler wears the No. 21 jersey, so he is the subject of discussion today as we mark 21 days until the New England Patriots open the 2016 season.
A few tangibles about Malcolm Butler to start:
Size: 5-foot-11, 190 pounds
College: West Alabama
NFL experience: Two seasons
Since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2014, Butler has blossomed into one of the league’s best stories over the past two years. An unheralded, unknown rookie fighting his way onto a stacked cornerback group in 2014, and then proceeding to make the most clutch play in Patriots’ franchise history… that’s the stuff you see in Hollywood. Butler actually did it.
Malcolm Butler will lead NFL in interceptions
As a sophomore pro, Butler didn’t suffer any type of Super Bowl hangover. He didn’t miss a single game, making 67 combined tackles and 15 passes defended to go along with a pair of interceptions. In the year 2016, the Patriots are much better off with Butler occupying the No. 1 corner role instead of, say, Darrelle Revis, as Butler is only 26 years of age (hopefully the Pats are able to keep him around in free agency next year).
Recent installments in Patriots kickoff countdown profile series:
22 days – No. 22 Justin Coleman
23 days – No. 23 Patrick Chung
The Patriots like to plug Butler on an opposing team’s No. 2 receiver and have him dominate the matchup while Devin McCourty shades toward Logan Ryan covering the No. 1 guy. However, the Patriots will tab Butler to man a truly elite No. 1 wideout, like they did with Odell Beckham Jr. last year. Butler can handle himself against any pass catcher in the league, even if he’s not the absolute best cornerback in the league.
Patriots Position Switch: Malcolm Butler at wide receiver?
In recent news, Butler admitted to the press that he missed out on quality reps against Alshon Jeffery as a result of his being ejected from joint practices after tussling with the star wide receiver. But at the same time, you like to see that kind of fight out of your No. 1 cornerback.
Next: 10 Most Exciting Sophomore Pros on Pats Roster
Because there is no owner of the No. 20 jersey, this series takes a break tomorrow. But be sure to stop by Musket Fire on Tuesday morning as we mark 19 days until Patriots kickoff by profiling the owner of the No. 19 jersey, wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell.