Video: Ohio State CB Eli Apple 2015 Pass Targets With Stat Breakdown

With the 2016 NFL Draft now a month away, I have begun thoroughly breaking down a few of the top cornerbacks in this year’s class as it relates to how they performed when targeted in coverage. Last week, I compiled all of the targets that Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander faced during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Now, I have turned my attention to Ohio State cornerback Eli Apple and have all of his 2015 targets compiled for you in the video below in addition to a play-by-play rundown of each.

As you can see, I have Apple being targeted a total of 57 times in 2015 and that includes all penalty plays that included him. I should note, however, that I chose not to include a few screen passes well behind the line of scrimmage that he played way off on. Apple gave up 21 receptions for 304 total yards and two touchdowns in my viewing of his tape. I should point out, however, that Apple was penalized four times during those 57 targets. Additionally, all but 8 of the receptions that he allowed resulted in either a first down or touchdown.

You will notice in the video that unlike Alexander, Apple contested quite a few of the passes thrown his way. Even so, he only had 9 all season. While Apple is a willing tackler of sorts, he’s just not very good at it. I tried to pay some attention to his participation in the run game while reviewing all of his games and once again, while he’s willing, he certainly falls short in that area. Additionally, he struggles to get off blocks down the field.

Apple can play press, press-bail, off and zone as you will see in the video. You would like to see his technique improve in press and especially when it comes to him rerouting his man. He also needs to get his head around a bit quicker in coverage at times but for the most part, he does a good job at staying in phase with his man down the field.

Personally, I would rank Apple ahead of Alexander based on his 2015 tape but with that said, his inability to tackle the catch along with his overall tackling ability really scares me. While he’s likely to be drafted in the first round, I really don’t see the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting him if given the opportunity, which they are unlikely to have.