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Kansas City Chiefs Scouting Report: Eli Apple

By Greg Florkowski

Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Jehu Chesson (86) is unable to complete a pass while being defended by Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Eli Apple (13) during the game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Jehu Chesson (86) is unable to complete a pass while being defended by Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Eli Apple (13) during the game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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 Free agency beginning could mean that the Kansas City Chiefs will need a new cornerback on their roster. Could Eli Apple be that cornerback?

With the probability of Sean Smith leaving the Chiefs in offseason, finding a viable replacement in either free agency or the draft is a must. The Chiefs will have the return of Phillip Gaines as well as more work from second year corner Steven Nelson.

One option is drafting a player that could either make a immediate impact like NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Marcus Peters, or a player that would have the chance to hone the skills necessary to contribute early.

Eli Apple is a corner out of Ohio State, he is a tall long body that is starting to be the norm in the NFL these days. The tall corners are valued so that they are able to cover the wide receivers that are getting taller and bigger every year.

John Dorsey and the Chiefs like the tall corners that are able to compete in man coverage against receivers. Sean Smith and Marcus Peters were very good in man coverage in 2015. A lot of that is because of the talented defensive line of Kansas City.

Related Story: Scouting Report Central

According to NFL.com, Apple has good footwork and shows very good discipline and rarely turns his hips at the line. He has the strength to deter receivers of their routes, and is very competitive when the ball is in the air.

Apple also works hard to deflect any and all passes that come his way. He shows a good feel for the receiver that he is covering, but has the tendency to get handsy when competing for the ball.

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Some of his weaknesses are things that can be fixed with the great coaching staff of Andy Reid and the Chiefs. He has a hard time sometimes with tackling in the open field, which is something that could be a problem early in his career. He also struggles with anticipating the ball on the deep passes, and likes to grab when he is unsure.

Apple would be a good fit for Kansas City. He has the size that the Chiefs like, as well as the skills that would allow him to flourish in the Kansas City defense.

If the Chiefs take a chance on Apple, it could turn out to be the answer at the cornerback position. With Peters across from Apple, Kansas City could have a duo that they could have for many seasons to come so that they can focus on other areas of the team.

Next: Best Value Draft Picks by the Chiefs

I don’t think that Apple is a first round product, but if he is still on the board in the second or third round I think that the Chiefs should take him.

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