2016 NFL Draft: Giants get C for taking CB Eli Apple at No. 10
With the 10th pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select Ohio State cornerback Eli Apple.
By
Ryan Wilson
•
2 min read
With the 10th pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select Ohio State cornerback Eli Apple.
Apple Grade: C. They need linebacker speed. He’s their third corner. Plus, I like William Jackson more
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) April 29, 2016
Apple has the size and length that immediately grabs the attention of scouts and coaches, and at 6-1, 200 pounds, not only can he match up with the NFL's big physical receivers, his 4.40-40 speed means he can keep up with anybody on the field.
The knock on Apple -- other than the unfounded (and patently ridiculous) report from an anonymous scout that he can't cook and that's a red flag -- is that he's not exactly a ball hawk. In fact, you could argue just the oppose. He had a lone interception in 2015 to go along with just seven passes defended, and in 2014 he had 3 picks and 10 passes defended. That said, according to ProFootballFocus.com, Apple allowed just 45 percent of targets into his coverage area to be caught last season.
But Apple is 20 years old, and the thinking in New York is that his best football is ahead of him. He'll certainly upgrade a defense that ranked 30th last season, according to Football Outsiders' metrics. The Giants let cornerback and former first-round pick Prince Amukamara walk in free agency, and signed former Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins. On paper, Apple makes the secondary better, and he'll have every chance to earn playing time as a rookie.
The maximum Eli Apple will get in his 4-year rookie deal is $15,152,379, which includes a signing bonus of no more than $9,219,912.
— Joel Corry (@corryjoel) April 29, 2016
More on Apple from NFLDraftScout.com's Dane Brugler: "Apple showed improved route anticipation and field/sideline leverage while in man coverage. Tough-minded with a short memory, not allowing negative plays linger. Survivor mentality and developed strong work habits at a young age. Battle-tested with experience in man and zone coverage. That said, Apple is too hands-on downfield and lacks savvy at the top of routes. Obvious target for penalties due to undisciplined hand placement, grabbing too much cloth. Experienced in press coverage at the line of scrimmage, but needs to improve his balance and jam technique. Tends to open his hips too early and struggles to recognize routes from bail position, creating too much of a cushion and allowing too many comeback completions.
Brugler ranked Apple as the third best cornerback in the draft behind Florida's Vernon Hargreaves III -- who went to Tampa Bay with the 11th pick -- and Houston's William Jackson III (Jalen Ramsey was listed as a safety).
