Eagles Scouting Profile: Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State

The Eagles entered the 2013 offseason with plenty of needs. Of those holes, the secondary was one of the team's most glaring weaknesses. Howie Roseman and Chip Kelly added four defensive backs in free agency and two more on Day 3 of this year's draft. One of those rookies, Oregon State cornerback, Jordan Poyer, could fill a major void for the team in a few areas.

Poyer played in all four years that he attended Oregon State. He was named a starting cornerback in 2011 and collected 13 interceptions during a three-year span (11 in the past two years). The former Beaver is also a very talented returner. In 2010, Poyer averaged 27.8 yards per kick return. In 2011, returned a punt for an 85-yard touchdown. He was named second-team All-Pac 12 in 2011 and the first-team in 2012.

Here is what NFL.com had to say about Poyer's game:

STRENGTHS

Smooth athlete with solid overall size. Has fluid hips to turn and run with receivers and quick feet to undercut an out route. Intelligent corner, who transitions smoothly out of his back pedal. Solid hands for the interception, extends to grab passes in front of receivers. Fights for 50/50 balls, competes even when he doesn’t have great position against a larger receiver. Aggressive, will attack in the run game. Brings some pop into tackles when able to line up his target. Experience as both a man and zone corner. Willing to take the ball straight upfield as a returner and has enough speed to break it with good blocking.

WEAKNESSES

Average size and strength for an outside corner. Plays well off the line of scrimmage, but doesn't display the skills to press. Doesn’t disengage from blocks consistently. Backpedal is high and slow, receivers eat up his cushion too quickly. Recovery speed is not exceptional, doesn’t close on seam throws and stays behind receivers with average speed. Misses too many tackles in the open field by throwing his shoulder. Lacks a second gear or great elusiveness as a returner, and has muffed the occasional punt.

NFL COMPARISON

Tarell Brown

My Take: Jordan Poyer is a playmaker. The guy was involved on literally every play on defense for the Beavers. He is a vocal leader in the secondary and is a very smart player. Poyer is special when it comes to forcing turnovers. He has baited guys like current Eagles QB Matt Barkley and current Denver Broncos QB Brock Osweiler (picked him off twice in 2011). Poyer is a tough cornerback who sticks his nose into piles and is eager to help in run support. He has good technique on tackles but does not seem to have the strength to take down larger offensive players. Before you go thinking that Poyer is another Asante Samuel, watch his tape. The guy loves to hit and almost never shies from contact. He is a polished returner and likes the ball in his hands. He is a likely candidate to be a primary punt returner and could back Brandon Boykin for the nickel job in his rookie year. Poyer needs to add some muscle if he is going to increase his role, but the foundation is there. The kid just makes plays.

Here is are a few looks at Poyer in action: