3 Panthers who could get slapped with the bust label in 2020
By Dean Jones
Scouting Report. CAROLINA PANTHERS. 2. player. ELIAPPLE. 87. Pick Analysis. CB
Carolina Panthers Player No. 2: Eli Apple (CB)
This is a crucial year in the overall career of Eli Apple. The cornerback is set to get one more chance to make a go of things from a starting role. And it is essential that he makes the most out of this opportunity.
Apple was the No. 10 overall pick back in 2015. Although he possesses a nice skill set to call upon. The player has failed to live up to lofty expectations so far.
Carolina doesn’t have much in the way of considerable depth at the cornerback spot in 2020. Donte Jackson is slotted in as their No. 1 option. And the team also drafted Troy Pride Jr. with their fourth-round selection.
The former Notre Dame standout is an exciting prospect coming into the NFL. But putting too much on Pride Jr.’s shoulders could have a detrimental impact on his long-term aspirations. This puts even more pressure on Apple’s shoulders to deliver the goods after signing a one-year, $3 million contract late in the free agency process.
Related Story. 3 ways that Eli Apple can help the Carolina Panthers. light
Apple struggled from the outset with the New York Giants. And he was often targeted as the weak link during his time with the New Orleans Saints in 2019. Any replication of this will see him on the free-agent scrapheap once again next spring.
The corner might already be considered a bust thanks to being such a high draft pick. Apple is entering the last chance saloon from a starting perspective. And it is going to be vital that the player makes every snap count.