Bingo, that and his possession numbers (specifically zone exits and entries) are the key. Hockey IQ can be learned to an extent by playing with the right players and within a system conducive to a skill set - which the Devils deploy and McLeod has.
The league has become more and more about speed, which he has in spades, plus the size to back it up.
Keller and Jost were the big prizes at #11, but they didn't get there. That's disappointing, but all things considered, squeezing another third and nabbing McLeod is certainly not a bad haul for the first round.
And there are still trade targets out there to be had. If the Devils could work some magic to snag DeBrincat in the second round I'd be thrilled with those first two picks (hey, at least we're reasonably assured they won't take another goalie).