Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles rookie Eric Rowe standing out as Eagles' slot CB

Published Aug. 20, 2015 12:50 p.m. ET

foxsports

When the Philadelphia Eagles drafted Eric Rowe in the 2015 NFL Draft, they probably didn't envision him playing in the slot. He has the ideal build to play outside cornerback or safety. After trading Brandon Boykin and losing JaCorey Shepherd to injury, Rowe has been promoted to the starting slot cornerback spot.

Rowe has been practicing in the slot for several camp practices in a row. On Wednesday, he had an opportunity to play in the slot, but also on the outside. During a few snaps, he had the opportunity to match up with Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith.

“He is quick, but he’s just crafty. Within his routes, he’s just doing little stuff that obviously I haven’t seen anybody do except Miles Austin,” Rowe said of matching up with Smith, per Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily Inquirer. “Body control, and body position. Within the route, he’s doing like little bitty (hints at misdirection), and he has me thinking, ‘Oh, he’s doing this – no, he’s doing THIS.’ That’s how he got that fade ball; I thought he was doing a post, and he went out toward the sideline.”

Aside from Eagles wide receiver Miles Austin, Rowe hasn't had the opportunity to match up with any crafty veterans during training camp. The Eagles have a young stable of wide receivers on the roster. Matching up with Smith is something that Rowe believes will help prepare him for the regular season.
“Especially being a rookie right now, seeing how crafty vets run their routes, it’s always a key for the future,” Rowe said.

Rowe has big shoes to fill. The Eagles' 2014 slot cornerback, Boykin, was one of the best in the business at shutting down slot cornerbacks.

(h/t Philly)