Eric Rowe

A three-year starter and all-conference pick at free safety, Rowe made the transition to cornerback in 2014 to help the Utes recover from the loss of Keith McGill (a fourth-round pick by the Oakland Raiders). Rowe demonstrated the awareness and physicality that could earn him an even higher selection in 2015. Rowe's length, broad-shouldered frame and straight-line speed (Utah coaches reportedly clocked him at 4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash) make him an intriguing prospect regardless of where he ultimately lines up. He's a heady, physical defender who is well-versed in pro-style schemes given Utah's heavy man coverage philosophy, and has proven a standout since first stepping onto campus. Rowe recorded 69 tackles and nine pass breakups while starting all 13 games (10 at free safety, three at strong safety) as a true freshman in 2011, earning Freshman All-American honors by several publications. Rowe earned Second Team All-Pac-12 honors in 2014 at cornerback, registering 57 tackles and 13 passes broken up in just 11 regular-season games. Rowe shows good balance, a functional turning motion and steady acceleration in coverage. He's alert to come up in run support and against underneath routes and breaks down well to make the efficient open-field tackle. Rowe is poised in coverage but he's not a ball-hawk. Of his 34 career passes broken up, he only intercepted three passes.

strengths

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 awareness and aggression on special teams. blocked a kick in 2014 and is a cognizant, physical blocker on the return unit.

WEAKNESSES

good balance and coordination to turn and run, showing steady acceleration and at least functional straight-line speed to remain at cornerback. good hand-eye coordination to disrupt passes at the catch-point, showing no panic when the ball is in the air and the strength to rip it out of the hands of receivers as they attempt to secure the catch.

Aggressive in run support. Fights through would-be blockers, including offensive linemen. Physical tackler who lowers his shoulder and drives through ballcarriers.

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.

Does not possess ideal hands, dropping several potential interceptions on tape.

First-team 13-5A all-district in 2010 and second-team in 2009

third-team 5A all-state as a junior and honorable mention as a senior

2010 Rivals 5A all-state pick

2010 5A first-team all-Texas defense

2010 Texas AP Top 100 Football Player

first-team all-area defense as a junior and first-team all-Greater Houston defense as a senior

VYPE Magazine's Top 50 Legends of the Fall

finalist for Defensive Player of the Year by the Houston Touchdown Club

Klein HS (Texas) Most Valuable Defensive back as a junior and senior

team captain his senior year

Klein High made the 2009 state semi-finals and was the region champion

career stats included 207 tackles, four forced fumbles, nine interceptions (returned one for a touchdown), three blocked punts and two kickoff returns for a touchdown

also competed in basketball and track

all-district basketball player as a junior

member of National Honor Society.

Son of Nelson and Denise Rowe

father graduated from Purdue and mother from Cleveland State

two sisters both played volleyball

lived in six cities in four states growing up

earned a bachelor's degree in business

full name is Nelson Eric Rowe Jr.

born Oct. 3, 1992 in Cleveland, Ohio.