When it comes to prospects meeting with NFL teams, once time is noteworthy, and twice can suggest the interest level is only growing. That's the case with USC safety Bishop Fitzgerald, who has caught up with the Philadelphia Eagles at both the East-West Shrine Bowl and the NFL Combine.
And while Fitzgerald didn't set the world on fire at the NFL Combine, he stands out when it matters most: on game days.
Eagles seem very interested in Bishop Fitzgerald
With five interceptions this past season for USC - and a remarkable 16 picks in college action overall - the Woodbridge, Virginia, native earned All-American honors. Checking in at 5-foot-11, 205 pounds, Fitzgerald has shown sound quickness and agility during his journey from JUCO to Louisville and USC, but ran the slowest Combine 40-time amongst all safeties in attendance at 4.55.
Game speed is a completely different beast, though, and similar to fellow safety prospect Michael Taaffe (4.50 40-yard), who the Eagles have also shown interest in, the play recognition, awareness, and anticipation that Fitzgerald possesses can't be replicated or recorded in a combine drill. It shows up on game days, which Fitzgerald will strive to build on at the next level.
In addition, having missed the final two regular season games and USC's bowl game due to a knee injury, there is the possibility he still might be working his way back to full health - and top speed.
Back at the combine, Fitzgerald spoke glowingly when asked by Simone Stanley what stands out to him about defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's group.
"Cooper DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell, guys like that who are always competing around the ball, then obviously their d-line, super aggressive, a super aggressive defense," Fitzgerald said. "That would be a great feeling to be a part of."
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Widely projected as a day two draft pick, Fitzgerald also spoke with plenty of energy about how much the Eagles value versatility, and having moved around plenty as a Trojans' defensive back, he fits well in that regard. There's definitely interest and admiration on both sides, making this safety someone to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.