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

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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Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Eli Apple (13) defends a pass to Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Chris Brown (2) during the first half of the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Eli Apple (13) defends a pass to Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Chris Brown (2) during the first half of the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

William Gay is coming back to Pittsburgh, but their other top cornerback Brandon Boykin is still yet to be determined. Either way the Steelers need secondary help.

Eli Apple from Ohio State helped himself greatly at the NFL Combine and during his pro day, but not enough to jump Mackensie Alexander after his own impressive pro day.

He’s a good defender with zone and man coverage skills. Sometimes he can play a little too aggressively and gets into the body of opposing receivers too often.

Ultimately, Apple is an upgrade for a defense which has already found Buckeyes who have been impact players with three starting on their defense in 2015.

 

Previously:  Eli Apple – CB – Ohio State

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