With the 47th pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected cornerback Eric Rowe out of Utah.
CBSSports.com senior writer Pete Prisco gave the Eagles an A+ for the pick:
He is one of the most versatile defensive backs in the draft. To go up and get him is a heck of a move by Chip Kelly. I think he can be a star safety, but a lot of scouts love him as a corner.
A+ for Chip Kelly moving up to get Rowe, one of the most versatile DBs in the entire draft. Grades: http://t.co/JH9dWaxEnl
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) May 2, 2015
Rowe has excellent size at 6-foot-1, 205 and is a physical presence in the secondary. Rowe is the best remaining secondary player on the board and moving up to get him by the Eagles is an aggressive move, but one that should pay off. A lot of folks project him as a safety in the NFL, as our Pete Prisco does, but he has the coverage skills to match up with receivers like a corner if asked to. The Eagles wanted to improve their secondary, and this is a kid with late-first round talent that they got in the middle of the second round.
For an on-field scouting report, we have this tidbit from Rob Rang and Dane Brugler:
“Possesses a legitimate NFL frame with good height, broad shoulders and a tapered, well-defined musculature. Uses his length and physicality to harass receivers at the line of scrimmage and throughout the route. Extends an arm to jam opponents and disrupt timing.Good balance and coordination to turn and run, showing steady acceleration and at least functional straight-line speed to remain at cornerback.May project better to the NFL back at safety than at cornerback. Like many taller corners, Rowe has a slight hitch in his transition, leaving him vulnerable to double-moves. He rides the receiver throughout the route and too often extends his arms to limit their movement.”
