Steelers pre-draft visits: Duke CB Ross Cockrell in Pittsburgh to meet team

Steelers Digest Editor Bob Labriola is reporting on twitter that the Pittsburgh Steelers are hosting yet another visitor to the team facility today:

Draft visitors for @Steelers: CB Ross Cockrell, Duke

— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) April 22, 2014

Ross Cockrell a cornerback from Duke University becomes the eighth player at his position to be invited to town, showing the Steelers are clearly doing their homework when it comes to the available CBs in this draft class.

Previously the Steelers had been connected with Cockrell after a meeting at the Shrine Game in January and then again at his Pro Day. Despite those meetings the Steelers still want to have another look, which suggest they certainly have more than just a passing interest in the player.

Cockrell is a 6-foot corner with good hands and a more physical nature than his frame would suggest. He was particularly successful breaking up passes thanks to his quick hands and finished his college career with 12 interceptions and 53 passes broken up.

He could well suit the Steelers as he excels more in zone coverage than man and although not blessed with blazing speed, he has a reasonable turn of foot and with good coaching could become a solid part of the secondary.

Likely to go in the middle rounds Cockrell would be a nice selection for the Steelers should he fall to them with their fourth or fifth pick.