New York Giants: Top 10 players who need to step up in 2018

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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 1: Wide receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hauls in a pass in front of cornerback Eli Apple #24 of the New York Giants for a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game on October 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

#1 – Eli Apple

The Giants have made it loud and clear. They are giving Eli Apple a second chance.

Actually, Gettleman and Shurmur look to be giving Apple more than a second chance. They are giving him the inside track to New York’s starting second cornerback position.

Janoris Jenkins is already locked in as Big Blue’s top cornerback. Gettleman elected not to add a standout cornerback in free agency, leaving many to believe he would address the position in the draft. But instead of selecting a defensive back, Gettleman put an emphasis on New York’s front-seven, adding two defensive linemen and an outside linebacker.

The Giants did sign multiple defensive backs in free agency. They also added some quality undrafted free agent cornerbacks in Aaron Davis and Grant Haley.

None of the additions Big Blue made are likely to compete with Apple for the second cornerback role. The Giants 2016 first-round pick has shown some promise in his first two seasons. The biggest knocks on the 22-year-old have been that he is not a team-first player and lack of effort.

Must Read: Grades For Big Blue's Draft Picks

The talent is definitely there. The question will be whether Shurmur and Bettcher can get the most out of the young cornerback?

Every player on this list has the potential to play a crucial role for this team in 2018. All eyes may be on Big Blue’s new stars, but improved play from Apple, Flowers, and others could prove to be the difference.

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