Oakland Raiders: Five free agent cornerbacks the team should consider
By Kevin Saito
Though not anywhere close to being a household name, Cockrell has been pretty solid when he’s been on the field – though, in an understated, under the radar kind of way.
After playing one year in Buffalo after they took him out of Duke in the fourth round of the 2014 Draft, he was released and signed with Pittsburgh shortly thereafter. In two years with the Steelers – appearing in 31 games, with 23 starts – Cockrell posted 80 tackles (65 solo), a pair of interceptions, 25 passes defensed, forced a fumble, and recovered two others.
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When the Steelers signed Joe Haden following his release by the Browns, Cockrell became expendable and was sent to the New York Giants where he appeared in all 16 games, starting nine of them. For the year, Cockrell tallied 37 tackles (25 solo), three interceptions, and 11 passes defensed.
And now, at just 26 years old, he’s a free agent once more.
At six foot, 191 pounds, he’s got size and length. He has 4.5 speed and plenty of athleticism. He seems to have a nose for the ball and the ability to make plays. He’s a willing tackler and his cover skills have improved by the season.
He’s a player who can be molded and shaped by DC Paul Guenther and whoever ends up being his DB’s coaches. Cockrell could fit in well as both a young guy who’s still hungry and eager to prove himself, but also as a little bit of a veteran voice, having been around the league for a few years now.
With most of the attention – and money – being focused on a few other corners, Cockrell can likely be had for a song and a dance. He’s not flashy and he’s not a superstar, but he could be an understated, under the radar, solid contributor for this team.