The pros and cons of starting CB Eli Apple in 2020
By Dean Jones
What are the pros and cons that the Carolina Panthers need to consider when determining Eli Apple’s role in 2020?
The Carolina Panthers brought in Eli Apple late on in the free agency period. He comes with plenty of questions to answer and there is even some doubt as to whether the cornerback is going to secure a starting berth in 2020.
There have been plenty of players at the position that have been showing out at training camp. The Carolina Panthers have been impressed by what they’ve seen from the likes of T.J. Green, Corn Elder, and fourth-rounder Troy Pride Jr. But Apple has had some nice moments of his own before sitting out recent practices through injury.
Much was expected of Apple when the New York Giants drafted him No. 10 overall in 2016. To say he has failed to live up to these lofty expectations would be something of an understatement. And this upcoming season represents a real crossroads one for the former Ohio State standout.
Apple has not been lacking in belief since he joined the organization. This is a positive sign for an immediate contribution in 2020. But there are plenty of elements to consider when coming to a final conclusion regarding his role with the Panthers.
This task will ultimately fall on the shoulders of head coach Matt Rhule. There is some margin for error during the first year of Carolina’s rebuild. And it is unlikely the Panthers gave him a one-year, $3 million deal to sit on the sidelines.
Here are two pros and two cons relating to Apple as a starter with the Panthers next season.