With the No. 196 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select ... Auburn defensive back Blake Countess.
The Eagles traded down to get this pick. The Birds were originally scheduled to pick at No. 188 but the Vikings traded up. Philadelphia received a seventh round pick (No. 240) from Minnesota this year in the exchange. Now the Eagles have three seven round picks.
Back to Countess. We wrote about him earlier this week when it was reported he had a pre-draft visit with the Eagles at the last moment. Here's what we wrote.
"The 22-year-old defensive back began his college career at Michigan. In three years with the Wolverines, Countess racked up 114 tackles, six interceptions, 13 passes defensed, and one forced fumble. Then he transferred to Auburn where he played cornerback and safety in 2015. Countess had 70 tackles, two interceptions, and 10 passes defensed as senior. He was named Auburn’s Defensive MVP last year."
The versatility Countess has displayed could allow him to compete at multiple positions in Philadelphia's secondary: safety, cornerback, and nickel. The Eagles were specifically looking to add a No. 3 safety in this draft so maybe safety is the most likely option for Countess. Not to mention that the Eagles already have nine cornerbacks.
Here's a scouting report on Countess via DraftInsider.net.
Positive: Michigan transfer who started at cornerback and safety for Auburn last season posting 71 tackles, 2 INT's and 11 PBUs. Underrated cover corner best facing the action. Physical and works hard defending the run. Willingly lays his pads into receivers or ball handlers when the opportunity exists. Effectively reads the quarterbacks eyes, displays good anticipation and has a nice move to the throw. Shows a burst to the play and a solid open field tackler.
Negative: Deep speed is a concern and struggles in downfield coverage. Struggles making plays with his back to the ball and does a bit of face guarding.
Analysis: Countess is a versatile defensive back who offers possibilities in dime coverage and on special teams.
...
Eagles remaining needs
Wide receiver
Defensive line
Eagles remaining draft picks
1st (2) - Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
3rd (79) - Isaac Seumalo, OL, Oregon State
5th (153) - Wendell Smallwood, RB, West Virginia
5th (164) - Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OL, TCU
6th (196) - Blake Countess, DB, Auburn
7th (233) -
7th (240) -
7th (251) -
Click here for the entire 2016 NFL Draft order.
2016 NFL Draft schedule
Saturday, April 30 - 12 PM EST (Rounds 4-6 - 5 Minutes Per Pick, Round 7 - 4 Minutes Per Pick)
TV schedule: NFL Network and ESPN.