Philadelphia Eagles: 4 College prospects to watch in Week 1

As an FCS school, Central Arkansas won’t be under the spotlight too often but they’ll get a chance to turn some heads in this matchup. Their best player will line up corner. Senior Robert Rochell is expected to be a late-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and many will be watching to see what he can bring to the table against UAB. Bruce Feldman from The Athletic believes that Rochell could be the next small-school defensive back to break out like Jeremy Chinn was in 2019.

"He’s a shade under 6-1 (6-0 7/8) and weighs 197 pounds. His coach Nathan Brown says he’s broad jumped 11-8 and has vertical jumped 41 inches. His 40 time is 4.38, and his short shuttle is 3.98. His 60-yard shuttle time is 10.98. Those are all big-time numbers."

The measurables and athleticism are clearly there for the former track star. The production is also there to back it up. In his three year career, Rochell has played in 35 games and has 77 total tackles, 35 passes defended, 25 pass breakups, ten interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He earned an All-American nod for his performance last year. Expect him to do everything in his power to make an impact in this game. If UAB is smart, they won’t throw towards his side of the field.

Philly is always looking for younger corners to stash at the back of the depth chart or on the practice squad. Who knows, if Roseman takes a chance on him and all goes well, he could follow in the footsteps of Avonte Maddox and go from a middle-round pick to the starting lineup.