The Panthers were looking dangerously thin at cornerback going into the 2020 NFL draft. In the fourth round, they picked Notre Dame’s Troy Pride Jr., who should develop into a respectable starter eventually. They also added Stantley Thomas Oliver in the seventh.
That wasn’t enough to make up for all the talent they lost, though. So, general manager Marty Hurney went out and signed former Giants and Saints cornerback Eli Apple to a one-year deal.
Apple is a former first-round pick who has a lot of potential, but he had a brutal 2019 season in New Orleans. One of his biggest issues is penalties. According to Pro Football Focus, Apple has more coverage penalties than any player in the league over the last two years.
Not great.
The good news is that Apple has the requisite length and speed to keep up with pro receivers. He just needs to work on his technique and discipline. If cornerbacks coach Evan Cooper can get Apple to play more grounded, he should get beat less often, meaning he won’t have to hold or force early contact as much.
In any case, Apple will only cost the team a $3 million cap hit this year, so unless he’s an absolute failure he should qualify as a bargain. We are projecting Apple will start outside in James Bradberry’s old role opposite Donte Jackson.
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