Let's try and think this out a bit. As a top 10 pick surely the Giants want him to get quite a bit of playing time this year. However with his size and long strides he is probably best suited playing some of the bigger outside recievers vs. some of the smaller, waterbug receivers in the slot. Problem is, both DRC and Jenkins are entrenched as our outside corners. DRC tried playing the slot and was terrible at it in Philly and we likely didnt pay 60 some million to experiment with Jenkins in the slot.
Perhaps in some 3 or 4 WR packages, Eli COULD play the outside with Jenkins in the slot. But also another way we could optimize Eli's skill set would be using him interchangeably at FS in certain sub-packages as well.
An excerpt from Dave TE's scouting report (with most of which I agree with):
Apple is a good student of the game who puts in extra hours in the film room to study his opponents. He is very capable of handling the mental aspect of the game, demonstrating Ike Taylor-like (former Steeler) skills for his ability to scan the field and find the pigskin in flight. His knowledge of every secondary position could see him bring immediate value as a nickel back at the next level, but with the way he plays in run support along with fluid moves in his retreat playing in the zone, he could also provide quality production as a free safety/nickel back in sub packages, as he has more than enough range to play safety and is capable of making the coverage call and checks.
Now Spags did use Aaron Ross, who may not have been the ideal slot corner there quite a bit with Webster and Madison on the outside. If Darian Thompson (who I like but did test a bit slow) or the Giants other myriad of injury plagued FS hopefuls don't pan out, he could be serviceable back there as he acclimates to the NFL and provide some great range allowing Landon to do what he does best play in the box and attack the line of scrimmage.
In this passing era, more and more players are playing some of these combo roles. I could also see this as match up based and teams with great speed and vertical threats this may be a way to maximize our match up abilities. From the tenor of the off-season chatter it sounds like Spags wants to run more of these types of schemes and utilize players in multiple roles as well.
Granted. But what role would you prefer him in? 100% in the slot? Where those jitterbug receivers could eat him alive?
But Apple has good quickness too for a big guy. He might be able to do it.
This makes the most sense. Jenkins slides inside in 3 CB sets. This allows Apple to develop on the outside. You have to remember, Apple is a premium pick, and his future is on the outside. I doubt they have him spend his rookie season playing him exclusively in the slot.
FS will likely be Darian Thompson barring the sudden emergence of someone else. His primary competitors are coming off big injuries.
He's still a relatively inexperienced corner. The speed and the ferocity of the NFL game will take some getting used to. He's more likely to develop quicker on the outside.
Have him do 1 thing. I like the thought mentioned of sliding Jenkins inside and Apple outside.
I think other lower cieling guys are better options in the slot. Mykelle for example or Jackson.
There are a lot of bodies in the secondary right now and it should be a good competition.
But Apple has good quickness too for a big guy. He might be able to do it.
Ive watched the footwork/ COD skills, it's pretty good but not Hargreaves good. Long speed is great but the quick hitting underneath stuff he'll see in the slot worries me. So certain receivers lined up in the slot sure but I see him struggling with the Edelman types. The possible scenario you mention would be more ideal.
Some spot duty at FS with simpler assignments/roles to start off might be an idea as well.
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My guess is they play him outside and Jenkins covers the slot in the nickel.
This makes the most sense. Jenkins slides inside in 3 CB sets. This allows Apple to develop on the outside. You have to remember, Apple is a premium pick, and his future is on the outside. I doubt they have him spend his rookie season playing him exclusively in the slot.
FS will likely be Darian Thompson barring the sudden emergence of someone else. His primary competitors are coming off big injuries.
I would agree this is the more likely scenario, especially if they are thinking about parting ways with DRC (due to the supposed off-field stuff).
But what if the Gmen have YET another cursed year regarding someone emerging at the FS spot. It's borderline insanity how many FS candidates on the team couldn't stay healthy. None are proven either. He could be a good back up plan to see some duty there vs. Collins.
I see merit in both arguments. I'd love for him to be eventually tried there b/c I think he could be a Ramsey type. He was just never tried there at Ohio State perhaps since they had Bell.
I agree with Eric, let Apple compete where his natural abilities and his physical attributes are best suited - CB; that where we need him and why we drafted him #1.
I remember when Corey Webster came here from LSU, he struggled, not only because he was learning the NFL game, but was trying to fully recover from college football hip injury.
The Giants believed in him and played him. The reward was a solid NFL CB, till age and wear-and-tear caught up to him.
I would love that. Keep Kennard and Goodson out, and put the FAs on the bench.
I think Apple gets enough time outside btw. DRC doesn't play that many snaps. He's off the field a quarter of the time. So, 1/4 snaps outside, 1/2 in the slot, and whenever JJ goes off, he fills in. He could see more playing time than DRC...
I also hope Donte Deayon from Boise State comes in to play the slot too. He was Thompson's buddy (31 combined INTs)... He's small though...
So why are you going to do that to a rookie just learning one NFL position. Put him where he has the best chance to succeed, don't screw with him.
-DRC and Jenkins on the outside during base formation
-DRC and Apple on the outside in Nickle and Dime with Jenkins on the inside and another slot guy
I think Giants will try signing another slot CB
In terms of safeties
-Collins has one spot
-Other spot will be a big competition between Behre, Jackson, and the two Thompsons
3 safeties could be possible too but I don't think Apple would be one of those guys
But Apple has good quickness too for a big guy. He might be able to do it.
Apple is Press Coverage guy I don't think we will see him at safety with the Amount of Safeties already available.
If I'm not mistaken wasn't DRC Trying out Safety last year?
Either way there are a lot of Choices at safety which makes it more likely we won't need to do this. All we need is one safety since we already have Collins.
-DRC and Jenkins on the outside during base formation
-DRC and Apple on the outside in Nickle and Dime with Jenkins on the inside and another slot guy
I think Giants will try signing another slot CB
In terms of safeties
-Collins has one spot
-Other spot will be a big competition between Behre, Jackson, and the two Thompsons
3 safeties could be possible too but I don't think Apple would be one of those guys
Berhe is a SS through and through. He'll be backup to Collins and maybe in as SS/LB hybrid. I doubt they have him in as the second to Collins.
D. Thompson or Bennett starts in the FS role.
I like the Idea that eventually Apple takes the LCB
and Jenkins slides into the slot .
Thompson needs to win the FS spot or at least claim
it early on given the questionable competition he
will face .
I think Collins may be the most improved player
this year .
Speed of the Game & Complexity. The two dominating factors common in these (to do well) - Mental acuity & Muscle Memory. It's all about meticulous preparation, and instant recognition at Game Time ...
The goal of it all - Get your "machine" (your body) to perform to react seamlessly and optimally to perform a particular set of tasks against a highly qualified (and sometimes) superior opponent.
FS, especially in Spags' scheme, can be developed more "easily". It's a traditional usage of a centerfielder. There's much higher value in a starting CB.
FS, especially in Spags' scheme, can be developed more "easily". It's a traditional usage of a centerfielder. There's much higher value in a starting CB.
Good points Jon. I just want someone to win the role. Last year was real painful from a Safety standpoint. We didn't sign a proven vet so we need one of these kids to stay healthy and adequately fill the role.
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Apple needs to focus on learning his core CB position first, he's likely going to be a starter before long. He'll likely play outside with Jenkins in the slot in extra DB looks.
FS, especially in Spags' scheme, can be developed more "easily". It's a traditional usage of a centerfielder. There's much higher value in a starting CB.
Good points Jon. I just want someone to win the role. Last year was real painful from a Safety standpoint. We didn't sign a proven vet so we need one of these kids to stay healthy and adequately fill the role.
You don't pay the kind of money they are paying Jenkins
to play in the slot. Honestly, don't know where the narrative got started, highly doubtful.
If you say so, LOL...Get used to it, you have inside info?
Does Revis play the slot? Do you think Norman will play the slot? Jenkins is NOW one of the top 5 highest paid corners
in the league, and he will play the slot, again if you say so.
Another way to look at it, are we a better coverage team that way or with Apple in the slot?
In this scenario, Jenkins would likely still be one of the starting outside corners in almost all 2 WR sets so he'll still get plenty of time on the outside as well.
Jordan Raanan @JordanRaanan 5s5 seconds ago
Eli Apple says they have him learning nickel CB and outside #giants
Interesting. It could be for evaluation purposes and they'll decide when the bullets start to fly if they can get away with him playing nickel alot or if they need to put someone else there and have him focus more on the outside (which is likely to be his best position).
If they sign a vet., like a Hall or a Powers, it's a moot point. Bradley Roby in Denver has played the slot, since
coming into the league as an example. Another former Buckeye.
We can agree to disagree on Jenkins. When corners are getting paid that much, I don't see it.
Jenkins wouldn't play slot corner full-time, but they're going to be multiple while trying to utilize and protect Apple.