Texans Will Look To The Future Of Cornerback In The Draft

Sep 20, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Devin Funchess (1) is hit by Utah Utes defensive back Eric Rowe (18) in the first quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Rowe (3^rd – 4^th round)

6’1”, 205 – Utah

I will be somewhat surprised if the Texans spend a 1st or 2nd round pick on cornerback because there is no immediate need necessarily. The Texans do have more pressing needs at outside linebacker, as well as at wide receiver and inside linebacker, where there is less quality depth or the next #1 or #2 starter has not been identified.

Additionally this year’s cornerback class is a deep class and as a result I believe the Texans can find a player that could start year two in the 3rd or 4th rounds, so we’ll focus on those rounds for the remainder of this article.

This group is honestly so deep it wasn’t easy to narrow down guys to highlight, but here we will go with Eric Rowe from Utah.  Eric Rowe is a tall, lanky corner with good arm length and a 39 inch vertical jump.  He spent three years of his college career as a free safety before moving to cornerback.

Sep 21, 2013; Provo, UT, USA; Utah Utes defensive back Eric Rowe (18) and defensive back Davion Orphey (11) try to intercept the pass thrown to Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Cody Hoffman (2) at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Utah Utes defeated Brigham Young Cougars 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

This makes Rowe all the more appealing for the Texans as they are said to want a 3rd safety to play in their sub-packages, nickel and dime.  Rowe is likely very intriguing to the Texans because of this.

It’s rumored that defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel does not believe that he has to have elite corners for his system to work, however he does like safeties that can cover and what better for a safety that can cover, especially if you aren’t drafting an early round safety, than one that has played cornerback before?

Rowe uses his length and physicality to bump receivers at the line of scrimmage and plays well in press coverage, though there is some concern if he has the long speed to not need help over the top.

Rowe shows agility and balance to turn and run with the receiver, as well as good timing to disrupt passes at the right moment.  Rowe also plays on special teams punt coverage even as a senior at Utah adding more value to his game.

Here is Rowe facing Washington State in 2014 which shows an outstanding interception early in the tape. He ran a 4.45 40 yard dash and although seemingly slight of frame, he did 19 reps on the bench press showing that he does take the physical part of the game serious as well.

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