It had been 13 years since the Eagles drafted a cornerback as high as they did when Eric Rowe was chosen in the second round of the NFL draft on Friday night. And in the time since they chose Lito Sheppard in the 2002 first round, the league has changed significantly.
Sheppard was a generously listed 5-foot-10, 194 pounds. Rowe is 6-1, 205 pounds. Sheppard, a two-time Pro Bowler, was a successful pick for then-coach Andy Reid, but he probably wouldn't be considered a first-round prospect in today's NFL, and certainly not by Chip Kelly.
Football has always been a big man's sport, but the league has gotten even bigger at skill positions where size wasn't always a must.