Source: Eagles Sign Cornerback Roc Carmichael
The Eagles have signed cornerback Roc Carmichael off the Houston Texans’ practice squad, according to a league source.
Originally a fourth-round pick by the Texans in 2011, Carmichael (5-10, 190) appeared in six games for Houston last season, recording nine tackles and one pass defensed. The 25-year-old spent his rookie season on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. He was a contributor on special teams for the Texans.
To make room on the roster, Brandon Hughes has been placed on short-term injured reserve, meaning he can return to game action in eight weeks and the practice field in six weeks.
Carmichael, a Virginia Tech product, ran a 4.4 at the Combine. This was CBS Sports’ pre-draft analysis :
Explosive, rangy athlete with nice acceleration and top-end speed. Lanky and slender, but isn’t afraid to go for the big hit. Fearless tackler willing to engage bigger backs and receivers head-on. Gets his head around in coverage and adjusts his body nicely to the ball in the air. Has a second gear that allows him to close gaps between himself and receivers who have gained separation…
Struggles to get his hands on opposing receivers and create disruptive contact at the line of scrimmage when playing press. Doesn’t crowd receivers enough in man coverage, often leaving an unnecessary cushion of space both off the line and downfield, thus allowing the receiver room to maintain balance and keep route accuracy.
The Eagles were in talks with Carmichael’s representation a couple weeks back but a deal never got done and the defensive back ended up joining Houston’s practice squad.
The Eagles have some depth issues at corner. Bradley Fletcher missed Sunday’s game against the Chargers with a concussion. Brandon Boykin got the start on the outside but moved into the slot in nickel packages. Hughes played outside in those situations but injured his hamstring during the game, forcing Billy Davis to plug safety Patrick Chung into the slot at times. Fletcher is expected to play Thursday against the Chiefs.
The other corners currently on the roster are Shaun Prater and rookie Jordan Poyer, who struggled in the opener against Washington.
Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post was first with the report.