Seventeen years ago in the NFL draft the Eagles selected a CB from a PAC-10 school named Eric. That guy (Eric Allen of Arizona State) was a six time Pro Bowler who had 54 career interceptions—returning eight for touchdowns—and recovering seven fumbles. More importantly, he was one of the tone-setters for an all-time great Eagles defensive unit in the early 1990s.
Earlier tonight, the Eagles went back to the well (we hope) by selecting Eric Rowe (CB, Utah) with their second round pick in the draft. Rowe (6’1”, 205 lbs) was the selection after the Eagles traded up & acquired the 47th overall pick from the Miami Dolphins. The Eagles also received the Miami Dolphins 6th round pick (191 overall). In return, the Eagles gave Miami the 52nd overall pick as well as both their fifth round picks (145 & 156, overall).
Eric Rowe was covered recently by our own Patrick Causey:
“Versatility is key for Chip, and Eric Rowe has it in spades. He played his first three years of college football at corner before converting to safety in his senior year. He has the requisite length Chip Kelly desires in the secondary, standing at 6’1, 205 pounds with 31 1/2 inch arms, and he excels in playing press man coverage, using length and aggressiveness to jam receivers at the line.”
His versatility is no joke. Rowe started 45 career games for the Utes: nine at corner, 36 at safety (Here is a look at Rowe’s Mockdraftable.com Spider Chart with some comparisons:
This kid obviously has some athletic ability. Kelly, in his post-pick presser, claimed that Rowe was “that big , physical press-corner [they were] looking for.” He is hoping that between Rowe, Byron Maxwell, and Walter Thurmond he has found his bookend man defenders that can cover the likes of Dez Bryant, Odell Beckham Jr, DeSean Jackson, etc. The only guy likely not smiling is Brandon Boykin. Chip mentioned that Rowe would likely start at corner: which could mean Boykin is trade bait.
Below is some game footage showing what Rowe is capable of:
Michael Coggin is a writer for Eagledelphia & can be followed on Twitter @mqcoggin
