A slew of factors forced the New York Giants to a 3-13 record in 2017, all the while missing several star players and witnessing the eroding of the locker room. Cornerback Eli Apple played a big part in the deterioration of the team last season, but he’s working hard to change the narrative of his maturity and ability to play at a high level.
Selected No. 10 overall in the 2016 NFL draft was Apple, who was expected to translate well in the NFL coming out of Ohio State. His strength was man-coverage – playing with physicality and instinctive tendencies. Those were some of the words that were once used to describe the corner, now it’s more negative: Immature, unable, effortless…You name it and it has probably been spoken.
Going into 2018, Apple has displayed a different character and has emerged as a comeback player of the year candidate so far in training camp. He has performed well in 1v1 matchups.
Pat Shurmur praised the way Eli Apple is playing on the field.
And there is this from Shurmur: "And I like the way he’s functioning in the building. Very attentive in meetings. In my mind, and based on what I’ve seen, he’s acting like a pro.''— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) July 28, 2018
Eli Apple was beat by Amba Etta-Tawo. Recovered and broke up deep pass attempt.
— Tom Rock (@TomRock_Newsday) July 26, 2018
Can Apple find his true form with the New York Giants?
The mirror corner has sound technique but struggles with locating the ball in the air. He’s a gifted athlete with the potential to be a lockdown corner in the NFL, but his inability to turn his head and rely on grabbing has cost him dearly in games. His challenge this upcoming season will be to play the ball and the receiver, not just the pass catcher. He could very well be a great comeback story come December.
How about Odell Beckham Jr.?
Of course, we must consider Odell Beckham Jr.’s return when talking about comeback player of the year. The star receiver has even seemed to improve after breaking has ankle in week 5 of the 2017 regular season.
Don't Blink! @OBJ_3 #GiantsCamp pic.twitter.com/jQ3vUNTHw0
— New York Giants (@Giants) July 28, 2018
After watching this clip it’s fair to say Beckham still has it, and more. According to some teammates, his burst is even better than before and he has a winning mentality coming into camp. With rookie running back Saquon Barkley joining the ranks, OBJ must show his desire to lead and be a mentor for the younger players. The time for distraction and immaturity is over.