Grading every NY Giants first-round pick since 2013

NY Giants 2016 first-round pick: Eli Apple, D

After making one of the team's worst draft picks ever, they followed it up by selecting another bust in the Top 10 with Eli Apple. While Apple's career with the Giants would start off well, it would quickly come screeching to a halt and Apple would be with another team halfway through his third season.

The 2016 NFL Draft class may not have been one of the best years ever in terms of the first round, however, the Giants definitely got it wrong by taking Apple 10th overall. Despite this, things looked promising for Apple after his first season. Through 14 games in his rookie season, Apple allowed 38 receptions on 62 targets for 515 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. These numbers aren't insane, but certainly promising.

However, Apple wouldn't improve at all in his sophomore season, allowing the same amount of receptions on the same amount of targets for 403 yards and six touchdowns in three fewer games. Alongside this, Apple would have several controversies during this season which would eventually lead to him being traded to the Saints five games into the 2018 season.

Since leaving the Giants, Apple has remained in controversy with his loud mouth and poor play. While he had a somewhat solid 2022 season, he is still currently a free agent and the future isn't looking too bright for the 27-year-old cornerback.