The Chiefs are in desperate need of a solid corner. After losing Sean Smith to AFC West rivals, the Oakland Raiders, Kansas City is left with Defensive Rookie of the Year Marcus Peters, an injury hit Philip Gaines and a highly unproven Steven Nelson as the top three corners on the roster. This leaves the Chiefs in a spot of bother, and after the home run selection of Peters in the first round last year, John Dorsey tries his luck again with the selection of Eli Apple.
Apple is a tough, physical corner who excels in man-to-man coverage. He likes to get in the face of the receiver, disrupt his route at the line of scrimmage and embraces the one-on-one challenge of corner vs receiver. Apple’s tendency to embrace press man coverage will delight defensive coordinator Bob Sutton.
Sutton trusts his corners greatly, often leaving them with little safety help over the top. Peters and Smith were capable of handling such a scheme, and Apple is built out of the same mold. While he does get handsy, and will struggle with the more stringent NFL rules, he certainly has the physical tools and the work ethic to become a top, top corner. Kansas City will be extremely happy with Peters and Apple as their corners.
Next: Round 2: Pick 59