Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

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 /

Earlier in the draft season, a couple of cornerbacks (Tre’Davious White and Cameron Sutton) decided to take their talents back to college for another season at least. Those decisions, albeit respectful ones, dealt a nice blow to the cornerback class of the 2016 draft. After the top three of Hargreaves, Fuller, and Alexander, some wondered who could be the next tier of corners to take another step and round out the class.

In Ohio State’s Eli Apple, the 200 lb corner has the ability to be in that next tier of corners and contains more than just a great name. Apple also has a story to go along with it. He lived in Ghana as a young kid and moved to America at the age of 10. He also ran into a speed bump in life as he was diagnosed with iron deficiency earlier in his career at Ohio State. Now the redshirt sophomore is a possible late first round prospect. Here is Apple’s (still awesome name) scouting report.

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Height: 6’1

Weight: 200 lbs

Strengths: Solid NFL size at 6’1 200, although it’s a lanky-ish type frame…..Smooth, fluid hips with ability to open hips smoothly while backpedaling….Solid footwork….86 tackles in two seasons, to go along with 17 pass breakups, and 7.5 tackles for loss….Due to size, able to alter the route of the receiver with size and long arms…..Not afraid to spot run plays and react to them with solid support….Displays awareness of the ball when in the air and competes for the interception or pass breakup….Has been touted by Buckeyes coaching staff for having tremendous work ethic.

Weaknesses: Tackling ability is iffy at best. Good size but not known as a hitter, wrapping up needs some polish…..Even though his techniques have improved, must get better at read & react ability while in pass coverage….Can tend to get a little grabby which has led to seven pass interference calls and a number of holding penalties….Doesn’t always play the ball on deep throws.

Bottom line: Apple has ability, potential, and the workman-like mindset to get better. Of course, you should know by now that you can’t teach size or arm length which Apple has and teams will love. Due to his size, he may be best in man coverage with his ability to flip his hips and mirror on routes. His awareness is not to the level where a coaching staff would be comfortable. Those teachable traits can open up avenues for Apple as his size would be great for defenses that operate out of Cover 2/3/4 on a normal basis. Consider Apple a diamond in the rough at this point.

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