3 ways that Eli Apple can help the Carolina Panthers

How Eli Apple can help the Carolina Panthers: Versatility

Eli Apple might have failed to live up to expectations during his time in the NFL so far. But that doesn’t mean the cornerback cannot enjoy a new lease of life with the Carolina Panthers.

The player possesses a tremendous amount of speed and is fluid enough going down the field with wide receivers. Locating the football in the air has been a problem for the former tenth overall pick out of Ohio State. And it remains to be seen whether he can improve on this particular area of the field.

What Apple does have going for him is versatility. This is something that Carolina’s decision-makers have sought from their defensive players both in free agency and the NFL Draft. And their newest recruit fits the bill in this regard.

Apple can play on the outside or as a nickel corner will equal effect. He might be asked to do both as the season progresses. But much will depend on which area of the field he makes the biggest impression during training camp, preseason games, and the early stages of the campaign.

This was an eye-catching signing for the Panthers. Apple comes with some upside in what looks to be his last chance of proving he has starting capabilities in the NFL.

He will be tested significantly on a Panthers’ team that is expected to go through its fair share of turmoil during the season. But the onus will be firmly on the player himself to produce the goods with a view to possibly earning a longer commitment in the future.