Eli Apple grew into an essential cog in Ohio State's defense near the end of his redshirt freshman season, when the Buckeyes won massive games against Michigan State, Minnesota, Michigan Wisconsin, Alabama and Oregon on the way to a national championship.
Apple became Ohio State's lead corner upon completion of the 2014 season, when Doran Grant graduated and moved on to the NFL. As a redshirt sophomore, it was clear Apple had a decision to make on his future once the 2015 season ended.
He chose to leave, and Apple's seen his pro stock rise ever since. Tabbed by a host of analysts and front office members as a first round talent, Apple's length, speed and agility put him in the conversation with Florida's Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida State's Jalen Ramsey and Clemson's Mackensie Alexander for the best available cornerback in the 2016 NFL Draft.
The 6-foot-1, 199-pounder from New Jersey is one of five Buckeyes that accepted invitations to attend the NFL Draft next week. Apple could float anywhere in the first round, but with the league desperate for solid shutdown cornerbacks he will likely get his chance to show what he can do from the get go.
But where will he get that shot? Here are five potential fits for Apple.
Oakland Raiders
Where They're Picking: First Round (14th overall)
Breakdown: Apple to the Raiders at No. 14 is a trendy pick among NFL Draft heads as the first round nears. Oakland badly needs help on the back end of its defense, a unit that finished 26th in the league against the pass in 2015. Future Hall of Famer Charles Woodson finally retired, and the Raiders hope to fill the void he left with the signing of former Cincinnati Bengal Reggie Nelson. Oakland will remain on the hunt for a corner with potential to further bolster their secondary, however. Apple can be that player.
Miami Dolphins
Where They're Picking: First Round (13th overall)
Breakdown: Miami needs defensive help in its secondary and linebacking corps, which is why they could jump at Ohio State's Darron Lee at No. 13. They need more speed and young talent at corner, however, as the team finished 21st in the league against the pass last season. The Dolphins could opt for either Hargreaves III or Jalen Ramsey from Florida State, but there is a solid chance neither guy will be available when it is Miami is on the clock. Apple could immediately become the third corner down in Miami.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Where They're Picking: First Round (25th overall)
Breakdown: Could yet another Buckeye defender be headed to the land of the Terrible Towel? The Steelers took Doran Grant in the fourth round a year ago, and he joined up with Cameron Hayward and Ryan Shazier on the Steeler defense. Pittsburgh finished 30th in the league against the pass in 2015, though it tied for sixth in the regular season with 17 interceptions. The franchise is sure to turn its attention to the secondary this draft. If Ramsey or Hargreaves III aren't available at No. 25, Apple would be make sense.
Seattle Seahawks
Where They're Picking: First Round (26th overall)
Breakdown: Apple would be a great fit in the aging Legion of Boom, a secondary that needs a breath of fresh air despite still sitting near the top of the league against the pass. Richard Sherman, DeShawn Shead, Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas have all been the league for at least five years, so their window of dominance is closing purely due to age. Drafting Apple would allow Seattle to give him a year or two to develop behind some of the best in pass defenders in the game.
Washington Redskins
Where They're Picking: First Round (21st overall)
Breakdown: The Redskins have more glaring needs, but with starting corner Will Blackmon set to enter his 11th year in the league the franchise must look toward the future. Apple could again find himself in a situation where he could sit and learn behind veterans and potentially be Washington's third corner. The Redskins made the playoffs last season by winning the woeful NFC East, but have to address a secondary that allowed Aaron Rodgers and a struggling Green Bay receiving corps to rack up more than 200 yards passing a pair of touchdowns through the air in the playoffs.
Honorable Mention: Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots
