NFL Mock Draft 2016: Tennessee throws a curve ball

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as the Tennessee Titans make their pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as the Tennessee Titans make their pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 7, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Eli Apple (13) tackles Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver KJ Maye (1) during the game at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 28-14. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Eli Apple (13) tackles Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver KJ Maye (1) during the game at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 28-14. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 59. <p>The Dolphins acquired a starting cornerback in Byron Maxwell in their move down to this spot, but that does not mean that Miami is “all set” at the position. Brent Grimes is no longer a member of the organization, and even if he was, the cupboard was virtually bare behind him in 2015 when considering players that you really want on the field on a regular basis.</p> <p>Admittedly, I am higher on Eli Apple than most pundits, but the 13th pick does not represent a real reach given where his upside could take him. Apple ran a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash, and that combined with his big-time physicality and frame could vault him into the conversation as a true “shutdown” cornerback in the future. For me, that combination places him ahead of Clemson’s Mackensie Alexander on the list of cornerbacks still available in this mock scenario.</p> <p>Miami could easily consider another position on the defensive side of the ball (maybe linebacker with Darron Lee?), but even after the Maxwell addition, the biggest need on this roster is at cornerback. Beyond that, there aren’t many players available that can present the type of pure upside that Apple brings when considering his youth and athleticism.</p>. CB. Ohio State. Eli Apple. 13

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