May 01, 2015
For the second consecutive year, the Eagles have traded up in the second round. Last year they traded up with the pesky Titans from 54 to 42 to select Jordan Matthews. This year, they traded up with the Dolphins from 52 to 47 to select Utah CB/S Eric Rowe.
The Eagles gave up both of their fifth round picks to move up five spots, and they'll receive a sixth round pick from the Dolphins in return. In chart form:
| Eagles get | Dolphins get |
| 47th overall pick | 52nd overall pick (2nd round) |
| 191st overall pick | 145th overall pick (5th round) |
| 156th overall pick (5th round) |
Rowe started at CB for Utah this season after playing his first three seasons at safety. If the Eagles see Rowe as a CB at the next level, he has the long frame at 6’1, 205 and physical nature against the run that they have prioritized. If they view him as a safety in the NFL, he has versatility to cover receivers, which enables them to stay in their base defense against three WR sets. Initially, I thought Rowe would be a better fit for the Eagles at safety, but after an impressive showing at the Combine, he may very well have the athleticism to be a CB in the NFL (chart via mockdraftable.com):
Rowe's size/speed/versatility/positional need made him an obvious Eagles target.
Rowe is the second Pac-12 player the Eagles have selected so far in the 2015 draft. In the Chip Kelly era, the Eagles have selected more Pac-12 players (9) than non-Pac-12 players (8).
Highlight reel:
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