Philadelphia Eagles First Round Draft Prospects
By Greg Hays
Oct 5, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Kyle Fuller (17) celebrates with safety Kyshoen Jarrett (34) after making an interception in the fourth quarter. The Hokies defeated the Tar Heels 27-17 at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
CB Kyle Fuller (Virginia Tech)
While Virginia Tech cornerback Kyle Fuller may not be my personal favorite coming out of this class, I do believe his skill-set and abilities are best suited for the Philadelphia Eagles defense. He is long, aggressive, and physical- three things that seem to be key ingredients for success in the NFL today.
Fuller may not possess the same lateral quickness as other cornerback prospects, but he makes up for his lack of top-tier speed by being fluid, intelligent, and instinctual. In other words, he will not make his money based off of his pure athletic ability, but rather his football IQ and playmaking ability.
Another key aspect of Fuller’s game that increases his value and versatility is his experience with being a special teams player. In his career with Virginia Tech, Fuller saw many snaps on special teams in scenarios where you would rush the punter and try to get a momentum-changing block. He has done it before and I have no doubt that he can line up in punt-rush at the next level as well.
Despite having Cary Williams, Brandon Boykin, Bradley Fletcher, and Nolan Carroll already on the depth chart at cornerback, I believe that Kyle Fuller could ultimately emerge as a key contributor for this young Eagles’ defense. I would not count on Cary Williams being in an Eagles’ uniform beyond this year, Brandon Boykin thrives as a nickel (slot) cornerback, and Nolan Carroll is simply not talented enough to be a team’s every-down corner.
When it comes right down to it, cornerback is much more of a glaring need than many may think for the Eagles. Defensive coordinator Billy Davis has reportedly been very interested in Kyle Fuller and I believe the young defensive back could have a bright future in Philadelphia.