First Round Draft Choice Eli Apple
May 6, 2016
Q: How has it been here and getting to learn how everyone goes about their business?
A: It’s been a nice time so far just seeing some of the guys, some of the veterans, and getting with the coaches and trying to learn from them. So far, it’s been a dream come true.
Q: Who have the veterans that you’ve run into so far?
A: I ran into a couple of the guys. I can’t even tell you their names right now, but I know they’re some of the veterans.
Q: Coach Spagnuolo was just talking about hidden production and guys not throwing at you. You didn’t have a lot of targets thrown at you in college. Do you feel that helps or hurts you at the pro level?
A: It was weird this past season not getting that many targets because when you play as a freshman, you get all of the targets. But I still feel like I did my job out there on the field just taking the number one receiver away and doing my job playing man. I don’t think it was a bad thing. It’s just anytime you’re out there on the field, you always improve. That’s the main goal.
Q: What did Logan Ryan mean to you growing up?
A: He’s just the ultimate competitor. He’s the perfect person to follow. He just does everything the right way. He’s the perfect person to look up to. He’s always texting me when I need advice. He texted me a couple of times before the draft and he was telling me what I have to do when I come into the league and contribute from day one.
Q: He took you under his wing from a young age.
A: I was really young. I don’t even think I was in the eighth grade. I was probably a little younger than that, like in the seventh grade. He was just out there running through drills with me.
Q: Do you expect quarterbacks to test you from day one?
A: I expect that, just to see how I’m going to react to things and see if I’m actually the real deal. I expect that and I’m looking forward to it.
Q: Are you cool with sharing the spotlight with your mom?
A: I have no problem with that at all. If she wants the whole spotlight, she can have it. It doesn’t make a difference to me.
Q: There was a quote in Sports Illustrated about her not letting you wear a Rolex at the draft?
A: That’s how we interact. I was kind of joking with her because I knew her response. I said I was going to get a Rolex and she was like, ‘No, you better not.’ It was just a fun back and forth between us.
Q: Does that represent the interaction you’ve had with her over time?
A: For sure. She’s definitely big on earning things and not just going out and doing the most flashy stuff. She always kept me humble growing up.
Q: Does it surprise you that she’s become so popular?
A: It does not surprise me one bit. I kind of expected it. It was something that I was thinking about that I would have to account for it because I know how she is and I know her personality on Twitter and out in public. I’m fine with it. It’s nothing surprising at all.
Q: There’s been talk that you’d have to learn to play the slot in the NFL. What kind of transition would that be like for you?
A: It will be a little different. It’s a lot different from playing on the outside because the outside is a little bit more simple. Inside, you have to communicate a little bit more and just know a little bit of what everybody else is doing. It is going to be a little bit of transition, but I’m looking forward to it.
Q: Different techniques or is it more studying?
A: It’s a little bit more studying probably. Different techniques from playing outside, so you’ve just got to learn it and try to rep it as much as possible.
Q: Are you going to learn the slot cornerback right away or are they starting you on the outside?
A: I’m learning a little bit of everything. I’ve had a couple of meetings so far and I’m just looking at the nickel, looking at the outside corners just trying to learn everything.
Q: What is the first impression that you want to leave on your coaches out of this minicamp?
A: I’m a worker and I want to show them that I’m somebody that’s willing to take coaching, somebody that’s going to be out there trying to get better everyday and somebody that’s going to be out there just grinding.
Q: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is a guy who a lot of people think plays your style. Any thoughts on that?
A: I remember when he first came in and got drafted by the Cardinals. I kind of looked at him and I was like, that’s kind of like me a little bit because he’s a little lanky, taller guy and he’s pretty fast as well. I’m definitely looking forward to working with him and learning from him.
