The New Orleans Saints changed the fortunes of their season last year by trading for embattled cornerback Eli Apple, a former first-round draft pick by the New York Giants. Apple took to coaching well in New Orleans and immediately improved the level of play from the secondary, offering a legitimate cover-corner opposite Marshon Lattimore. Being surrounded by his former Ohio State Buckeyes teammates — like Lattimore, and safety Vonn Bell — was big both for Apple’s comfort and his confidence in a starring role in the Saints defense.
Now, Apple is entering his second year in black and gold and his first full offseason with the team.