Rutgers cornerback Eric Rogers thrived at the program following his decision to transfer from Northern Illinois. He recorded 10 pass breakups in two seasons with the Knights. Rogers recently enjoyed a successful Pro Day workout and has garnered interest from several NFL teams.
Rogers spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Rogers discussed his pro day showcase, playing man and zone coverage, converting pass breakups to interceptions, and more.
JM: Now that you've had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Northern Illinois to Rutgers?
Eric Rogers: It was a tough decision initially. I had a lot of fun and created a lot of great relationships with good people at Northern Illinois. I learned a lot from their coaching staff as well. We created so many great memories.
Ultimately, I wanted to come home and be able to play in front of my family. Rutgers was a great choice for me. The coaching staff helped me take developmental steps forward. It was a one-of-a-kind experience. I learned a lot at Rutgers from those coaches. My teammates embraced me as family.
I really appreciated that and the opportunity given to me at Rutgers. I’ll forever be thankful to the program. I had a great time there.
JM: You really thrived. You leave Rutgers with 10 pass breakups in two seasons. You were one of the highest-graded cornerbacks in college football this past year. Talk to me about your ability to disrupt the catch point.
Eric Rogers: I’m a bigger, tall-and-long corner. Coach O at Rutgers [my cornerbacks coach] taught me a lot. He helped perfect my technique to disrupt the catch point. I used that to the best of my ability. I trusted my development.
I think I am one of the best cover corners in this class. I have the ability to eliminate the opposition’s go-to receiver. I play with a lot of confidence because I trust my coaching. It allowed me to make plays on the ball.
JM: Does Eric Rogers prefer to play man or zone coverage?
Eric Rogers: I don’t necessarily have a preference. We played a lot of man coverage at Rutgers though. That’s what I’m most familiar and comfortable with. I can play zone too. I can play man. I’ll play whatever you need me to play (laughs).
JM: Your lone interception this past season was a 52-yard pick-six. Are you placing emphasis on converting more of those PBUs to interceptions throughout this pre-draft process?
Eric Rogers: Absolutely I am. Pass breakups are cool, but ultimately, you want to create turnovers. I want to take advantage of every opportunity I get to make a play when the ball is thrown in my direction. Like you said, I scored a touchdown on the one interception I had this past season.
Coach O always said that great defenses score touchdowns. I carried that with me. I want to do better moving forward.
JM: Pro Day was Mar. 12. What were some of the results, and what do you think you proved to NFL scouts?
Eric Rogers: I leaped a 10-foot-3 broad. I ran a good 3-cone at 6.84 seconds. Scouts had me running the 40 in the high 4.5’s. I think I proved I’m a good player, a good cornerback. I think I ’m one of the best corners in this draft. I’ve wanted to prove that throughout this process.
I think I showed scouts I’m the same player on film. I was smooth during position drills.
JM: We've appreciated your time. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Eric Rogers?
Eric Rogers: A team should draft Eric Rogers because I want to win. You’re getting a corner with a dog mentality. I’ve embraced the journey. I’m a hard worker who’s willing to put the time in.
