Eagles Finally Get Defensive in 6th, Take Auburn DB Blake Countess

PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) — Undersized defensive back Blake Countess never did get an invite to the NFL Combine, but he was on the guest list when it really counted, being taken by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 196th overall pick in the sixth round Saturday.

The Eagles actually traded back in the round, moving from No. 188 overall in a deal with the Minnesota Vikings in which they picked up another seventh-round pick, No. 240 overall.

Countess, 5-foot-10 and 184, was the first defensive player Philadelphia selected after four consecutive offensive picks.

Countess played both corner and safety in college, starting at Michigan before finishing as a graduate transfer at Auburn. With the Tigers last season Countess amassed a career-high 71 tackles and two interceptions while starting the year at cornerback and finishing at safety.

"He played safety at Auburn this year, and he has some traits of guys like (Eagles starting safety Rodney) McLeod when he plays that," Eagles personnel chief Howie Roseman said. "A phenomenal character kid. Just somebody that we think has a lot of value and versatility for our defense. He can play nickel. He can play safety. He can play on special teams."

-John McMullen covers the Eagles and the NFL for 973ESPN.com. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen