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2016 NFL Mock Draft: Top 10 Picks

By Hassan Zakai

Dec 31, 2014; Atlanta , GA, USA; Mississippi Rebels offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil (78) prepares to block TCU Horned Frogs defensive tackle Terrell Lathan (90) during the first quarter in the 2014 Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2014; Atlanta , GA, USA; Mississippi Rebels offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil (78) prepares to block TCU Horned Frogs defensive tackle Terrell Lathan (90) during the first quarter in the 2014 Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Jehu Chesson (86) is tackled by Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) during the second half in the 2016 Citrus Bowl at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Jehu Chesson (86) is tackled by Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) during the second half in the 2016 Citrus Bowl at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

#9 Overall: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers select:

9. player. 48. <p>Vernon Hargreaves is my favorite prospect in this year’s draft. He is the best cover corner and best technician I have seen since Patrick Peterson coming out. Tampa needs to revamp its secondary. Signing Brent Grimes was a good start, but Grimes is a smaller zone corner and needs help on the other side of the field. The combination of Grimes and Hargreaves would provide a solid base for the defensive backs.</p> <p>Hargreaves isn’t all that big at 5’10.5″ and doesn’t have elite speed, but can erase receivers by perfectly mirroring their routes and playing tight coverage. He is a scheme diverse corner, with the toughness and grit to play outside and the versatility to kick inside and play nickel corner. His transition is probably the best in this draft, as he’s able to diagnose and jump routes effectively. Hargreaves is a terrific run defender, he can be a little careless when he’s throwing his body around, but he is a sure tackler and an excellent sideline defender. His ball skills are really what separate him from the other cornerbacks in this draft. He could play receiver if he wanted to, he just looks so natural catching the ball and an errant pass could easily turn into a pick-six for Hargreaves.</p> <p>Hargreaves would look great in Ravens’ purple, along with his former teammate Matt Elam, but alas the elite defensive prospect is probably not valued as highly as say a Myles Jack or Joey Bosa is. Nevertheless, Hargreaves is going to be a great and productive corner for a long time in this league. He compares to Joe Haden, and he’s actually a bit better coming out. Haden had a ton of speed and athletic ability, but Hargreaves matches up well. Vernon is a superior athlete, with explosiveness and playmaking ability. He is also more durable than Haden and a better run defender. Overall, I believe Tampa is getting a Pro-Bowl caliber corner at #9, which is a pretty good value considering how the NFL is continuing to grow into a passing league. </p>. CB. Florida. Vernon Hargreaves

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