New York Giants 2017 Roster Preview: Cornerbacks
By Sean Dyer
Eli Apple
Eli Apple was the New York Giants first round pick in 2016 and had an up and down rookie season.
Apple appeared in 14 games (11 starts) and had 51 total tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble. The former Ohio State Buckeye missed two games due to a hamstring injury.
There were times where Apple showed the potential of being a solid cover corner and then there were other times where Apple would get burnt deep on double moves.
A perfect example of Apple’s mercurial rookie campaign is a play against Golden Tate of the Detroit Lions. On the play, Golden Tate beats Apple on a double move, but the rookie uses his speed to recover and break up the pass, saving a touchdown.
One thing that was consistent about Apple’s rookie year was his speed. The kid can run. Apple is also a solid tackler, which is one of the things the Giants loved about him when they drafted him over Vernon Hargreaves.
New York clearly believes in Eli Apple. They continued to play him on the outside and forced Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to move to the nickel last year. Apple certainly showed flashes of being a quality corner but he needs to be more consistent in his sophomore season.
With Janoris Jenkins smothering opposing No. 1 WRs, Eli Apple will be targeted a lot in 2017. Another year under his belt should help with his consistency and if Eli Apple can live up to his potential this season, the New York Giants secondary will be that much harder to throw against.