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2016 NFL Mock Draft Version 4.0 – The Free-Agency Update

By David Harrison

Feb 8, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell during a "Handoff to Houston" press conference at the Super Bowl Media Center at Moscone Center-West. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell during a "Handoff to Houston" press conference at the Super Bowl Media Center at Moscone Center-West. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 11, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) during the first half at the Orange and Blue Debut at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) during the first half at the Orange and Blue Debut at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

CB. Florida. Vernon Hargreaves III. 9. player. 48.

Assuming Jalen Ramsey moves to safety in the NFL, Vernon Hargreaves III is the best cornerback prospect in the draft. Shorter than preferred, VHIII plays tough and is aggressive when attacking the ball. He’s known for strong man skills, and isn’t afraid to press receivers at the line of scrimmage.

He’s a catch tackler against the run, so he won’t add much there, but over time should develop into the best cornerback on the team. Initially, with the signings of Brent Grimes and Josh Robinson, Hargreaves III may start off as a slot cover man who has added special teams ability.

Sooner or later, he’ll become a starter, and if the re-birth of Johnathan Banks comes to fruition then the two could give Tampa Bay a pass defending duo on the outside it hasn’t seen since its Super Bowl winning season of 2002.

The Buccaneers have enough questions on the defensive side of the ball to take the best available player at number nine, and even though the team has addressed many issues through free agency adding a talented corner to their current stock is in no way overkill.

The Tampa native will love coming home, and Bucs’ fans will love having a young corner with NFL talent.

 

Previous Pick:  DeForest Buckner – DE – Oregon

Next: 10. New York Giants

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