Grading the Las Vegas Raiders additions on defense
Eli Apple, CB, New Orleans Saints
After the rash of signings the Raiders made earlier in the week, we at JBB pointed out that there were still some glaring needs on the defnese and particularly at the cornerback position. Eli Apple fits the bill as a player that could fit that need as a potential starter for the Silver and Black alongside second year pro Trayvon Mullen.
Apple was initially drafted 10th overall by the New York Giants in 2016 but has not lived up to the expectations of his draft position. Much like former Raiders top draft pick DJ Hayden, Apple has bounced around a bit in his career and the Raiders will be his third team after he spent a year and some change with the New Orleans Saints.
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The former Ohio State cornerback had his best season in 2018 with the Saints as he recorded two interceptions and 52 tackles in 10 games. He had a disappointing 2019 and that was undoubtedly a factor in the Saints letting him walk in free agency. Despite him not living up to expectations, Apple has been a starting cornerback in the NFL for the better part of four years now, which is more than what any other corner on the Raiders can say. He is a good cornerback at best and again though contract details have not been released just yet, he is likely another bargain signing for Mike Mayock and the Raiders.