Packers: 3 2022 free agent targets about to play in Super Bowl 56
By Scott Rogust
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 2.. 56. CB. Cincinnati Bengals. Eli Apple. player
The Packers could stand to add some cornerback depth. One player they should consider looking at is Eli Apple.
Prior to joining the Bengals, Apple was a former first-round pick of the New York Giants in 2016. Apple did not live up to expectations in New York, as he was traded three years later to the New Orleans Saints. After two seasons with the Saints, he spent the 2020 season with the Carolina Panthers before signing on with the Bengals in 2021.
Apple was relatively solid in Cincinnati working with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, his former defensive backs coach in 2018 with the Giants. In 16 regular-season games, Apple posted 49 total tackles, 10 defended passes and two interceptions. Apple allowed 47 receptions for 602 yards and three touchdowns on 78 targets, per Pro Football Reference.
In the playoffs, Apple has had some big plays.
In the Divisional Round against the Tennessee Titans, he broke up a pass from Ryan Tannehill to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, allowing linebacker Logan Wilson to intercept it in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter. That allowed the Bengals offense to move downfield and set up Evan McPherson’s game-winning field goal.
Then, there was the AFC Championship Game, where the Kansas City Chiefs looked to score a touchdown before halftime. Patrick Mahomes threw a pass to Tyreek Hill behind the line of scrimmage. As Hill approached the end zone, he was stuffed on a huge tackle by Apple to end the half. That gave the momentum to the Bengals entering the second half.
Whether they sign Apple or not, the Packers should keep their eyes on the cornerbacks in Super Bowl LVI.