53 Men: CB Eli Apple Player Profile

Taking a look at what kind of season Panthers corner Eli Apple could have in 2020

CB Eli Apple

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 200 lbs

College: Ohio State

NFL stats: 233 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 33 pass deflections, 6 fumble recoveries

Depth Chart Projection: Starter

Carolina is extremely thin on experience at corner aside from Donte Jackson, which played a factor into the team signing Eli Apple. With 48 starts in his career, coupled with a young position group, it's a given that Apple will be a starter on the Panthers' defense despite his recent struggles.

Analysis:

There's no nice way to put it - Apple has struggled for much of his professional career, but it's not like he doesn't have the ability to be successful, he just needs coached up. He's got fairly decent size (6,1", 203 lbs) and ran a 4.40 40-yard dash and a 1.53 10-yard split at the 2016 NFL Combine. His man coverage skills have been what has plagued him so far in his career, but again, it's nothing that can't be fixed. It's all about technique and learning how to position his body correctly and being more physical with the receiver he's lined up across.

53-Man Roster Status: Lock

Anytime you sign a guy with the experience that Apple has, there's no question about him making the roster. Will he find his game again? Or will he continue to struggle? If it's the latter, don't expect Carolina to keep him beyond the 2020 season. 

Previous "53 Men" projections

1. QB Teddy Bridgewater

2. QB Will Grier

3. RB Christian McCaffrey

4. RB Mike Davis

5. RB Reggie Bonnafon

6. WR D.J. Moore

7. WR Curtis Samuel

8. WR Robby Anderson

9. WR Seth Roberts

No. 10 WR Keith Kirkwood

No. 11 WR Pharoh Cooper

No. 12 TE Ian Thomas

No. 13 TE Chris Manhertz

No. 14 TE Temarrick Hemingway

No. 15 FB Alex Armah

No. 16 OT Russell Okung

No. 17 OT Greg Little

No. 18 OG Michael Schofield III

No. 19 C Matt Paradis

No. 20 C Tyler Larsen

No. 21 OG/OT Dennis Daley

No. 22 OG John Miller

No. 23 OT Taylor Moton

No. 24 DE Stephen Weatherly

No. 25 DE Yetur Gross-Matos

No. 26 DE Efe Obada

No. 27 DL Zach Kerr

No. 28 DT Kawann Short

No. 29 DT Derrick Brown

No. 30 DT Bravvion Roy

No. 31 DL Myles Adams

No. 32 EDGE Brian Burns

No. 33 EDGE Marquis Haynes

No. 34 LB Shaq Thompson

No. 35 LB Tahir Whitehead

No. 36 LB Jermaine Carter Jr.

No. 37 LB Andre Smith

No. 38 LB Adarius Taylor

What type of season do you expect from Eli Apple? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!

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