With The First Pick
Fansided

New York Giants select Eli Apple in first round of 2016 NFL Draft

By Matthew Godin

Oct 4, 2014; College Park, MD, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Eli Apple (13) intercepts Maryland Terrapins quarterback Caleb Rowe (not pictured) pass in the end zone during third quarter at Byrd Stadium. Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Maryland Terrapins 52-24. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2014; College Park, MD, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Eli Apple (13) intercepts Maryland Terrapins quarterback Caleb Rowe (not pictured) pass in the end zone during third quarter at Byrd Stadium. Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Maryland Terrapins 52-24. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

It was a bit of surprise to see the New York Giants select Eli Apple.

Whoever said drafts were boring? The Giants passed on Vernon Hargraeves to take Eli Apple. This is now the third Buckeye taken in the first 10 picks alone. Apple is a very raw and physically gifted corner who will need time to develop before the pro level. This is now the second year in a row that the Giants have taken a secondary player. The last being Landon Collins last year in the early second round.

The biggest issue with Apple is the fact that he draws countless amounts of flags at the NCAA level. He can’t afford to carry on that trend in the big leagues. He has a ridiculous amount of relentless competitiveness. He possesses the athleticism and versatility that can have him succeed. (He can play zone and man coverage) Another trait is the fact that he isn’t afraid to throw a block around either.

He trully is though too hands on down the field which gets him into trouble. A nit picky knack is the fact that he also opens up his hips too early. Olivier Vernon broke the bank for the Giants its still yet to be seen if Apple will ever amount to an elite corner in the league. (He was of course just drafted) He is similar though to Richard Sherman in his hands on approach to coverage.

Apple is slightly more versatile then Seattle’s stud. Sherman though got his flag trouble under control. I don’t necessarily believe Apple will. He certainly could be the day one starter though for the Big Apple.

Home/NFL Draft News