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New York Giants: 5 Bold Predictions for the 2016-17 Season

By Nikhil Potpally

Nov 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon (50) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon (50) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants corner back Eli Apple (28) and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo during rookie minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants corner back Eli Apple (28) and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo during rookie minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /

Eli Apple will struggle mightily in his rookie year

The Giants took Eli Apple at No. 10 overall in the draft, adding another corner after signing Jenkins to a deal earlier this offseason. You will hear the front office echo that Apple was the highest-rated player on their draft board at the time of the selection, but this is not accurate.

The Giants passed up on drafting offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, projected as a Top-3 pick, citing the gas mask video which was released during the draft. Yet, the Giants, who want to uphold their integrity and distance themselves from public controversy, still have kicker Josh Brown on the roster. Instead, the Giants chose the very raw cornerback in Eli Apple from Ohio State at No. 10 and hope that he will develop quickly.

Apple has good size and athleticism for a corner, measuring at 6’1″ and 199 lbs with a 4.40 s 40-yard dash time. He had an “OK” collegiate career, recording 86 tackles and four interceptions in two years at Ohio State.

The Giants clearly drafted him based on his potential, which he may or may not achieve. He does have a strong work ethic and clean background. So, if he is determined enough, he can eventually reach his ceiling. However, I think his rookie year will be disappointing because he will have a tough time adjusting to the style of NFL play.

At Ohio State, Apple got away with more than his fair share of pass interferences and defensive holdings. In the NFL, he will not be able to grab a receiver’s jersey if he gets beat without drawing a penalty flag.

Apple is projected as an outside corner, in spite of him receiving practice snaps at the nickel. His arrival will push Rodgers-Cromartie to the slot, even though the veteran performs better on the outside. If it were up to me, I would shift Jenkins to nickel, but with his big contract, I don’t see that happening.

I predict Apple will have a rough first year in the NFL, drawing multiple flags and getting beat in coverage. If Leon Hall recovers from his concussion soon, Apple projects to be a backup to open the 2016 season. Trevin Wade has played well during the preseason and realistically will get more playing time than Apple, barring any injuries. In the limited time, I don’t think Apple will develop as quickly as the front office expected and will have a tough rookie season.

Next: New Season, Same Offensive Line.

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