Jordan Poyer to Eagles: How Does Cornerback Fit in Philadelphia?

The Philadelphia Eagles grabbed arguably one of the biggest steals of the entire draft, selecting cornerback Jordan Poyer with their second pick in the seventh round. 

Poyer was projected by many experts to be a second- or third-round pick. He is the rare case of a late-round draft pick who will not only likely make the team's roster but probably earn some playing time as a rookie. 

Poyer saw his draft value fall with a poor performance at the scouting combine and the pro day, but the real test is how he played during his four years of college, where he concluded his college career with an Associated Press first-team All-American selection as a senior. 

He grabbed seven interceptions as a senior, turning in a terrific season despite the loss of his teammate Brandon Hardin to a broken shoulder before the start of the season.

Poyer has experience playing as a safety. He has exceptional ball-hawk skills and is a solid tackler, although he weighs just 191 pounds. NFL.com compares him to current San Francisco 49ers' starting cornerback Tarrell Brown. 

In 2013, expect Poyer to compete with Brandon Boykin for the nickel corner position. Bradley Fletcher and Cary Williams appear to have the two starting jobs locked up. Boykin and Poyer will likely be the nickel and dime cornerbacks, although Curtis Marsh, Brandon Hughes and Trevard Lindley will also figure to be in the rotation (depending on how many cornerbacks make the final roster).

Some on Twitter have compared Poyer to Alfonzo Dennard, a seventh-round draft pick by the New England Patriots in 2012 who played in 600 snaps and allowed just a 75.6 passer rating. 

Poyer also has abilities as a return man. Rookies Brandon Boykin and Bryce Brown did a very poor job of handling the kick return duties in 2012. Poyer would undoubtedly be a major improvement. 

This was a really smart pick by Kelly. I'd say there's a higher chance of Poyer entering the year as one of the two starting cornerbacks than Poyer not making the final roster.