The Bills like picking players they've had a chance to meet previously. Buffalo made Duke CB Ross Cockrell their fourth-round pick to begin day three of the NFL draft, and much like the Bills first three draft choices, Cockrell was a pre-draft visitor at One Bills Drive last month. But here are some facts you may not know about Cockrell.
1. Picking up steam
--Cockrell had just four interceptions in his first two years at Duke, but racked up eight in his final two seasons earning 1st team All-ACC honors in the process. He also had 53 career pass breakups as a Blue Devil.
2. Handling the big boys
--In his final collegiate game Cockrell was matched up with Texas A&M receiver and Tampa Bay first-round pick WR Mike Evans. Evans a 6-5 receiver with 35-inch arms and a 37-inch vertical was held to four catches for 72 yards by Cockrell in a 52-48 loss.
3. Big play in showcase game
--Appearing in the East-West Shrine game, Cockrell made a big play in the waning moments of the game making an interception to seal the win for the East team in a 23-13 victory.
4. Leadership by example
--Cockrell was a two-time captain at Duke and took it upon himself to set up film study sessions with his fellow defensive teammates independent from those with the coaching staff.
5. Athleticism runs in the family
--Ross' father Keith Cockrell also played football at the college level lettering at Columbia in the early 1980s. His younger sister Anna is a multi-event state title champion in track in the 100 meters, 100 meter hurdles, 300 meter hurdles, 4x100 relay) and a future Olympic hopeful. His other sister Cierra is a standout high school volleyball player.
