Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints could not be more excited to welcome cornerback Eli Apple to the team. After being acquired from the New York Giants in exchange for draft picks, the Saints believe that Apple will be able to develop into his full potential moving forward.
Apple has received quite a bit of criticism for the way he has handled himself in his two years and change with the Giants. It became apparent that the Giants were done with the 23-year-old cornerback. New Orleans is confident that they can help him turn things around.
In an interview shared by Larry Holder of The Athletic, Payton talked about Apple and how he believes the young cornerback will help the team this season.
Sean Payton on making a trade for a CB: We felt like it would help us this year.
Translation: All-in for 2018
— Larry Holder (@LarryHolder) October 24, 2018
Payton adds that he felt a fourth-round pick was a suitable price for Apple and that he's excited to have the young corner aboard.
Throughout the first five games of the season with the Giants, Apple recorded 23 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He still has a lot of work to do as a cover corner, but the potential is there.
New Orleans is also putting Apple in a good situation from a teammate perspective. Apple will join a secondary that includes fellow former Ohio State stars Marshon Lattimore and Vonn Bell. Being able to play with those guys could bring Apple's passion for the game of football back.
Sometimes, players simply need a change of scenery to figure things out. New Orleans is hoping that they will be able to make that the case for Apple.
Expect to see Apple make an appearance on the field at some point in the next week or two. The Saints appear to be one of the top contenders in the NFC once again and they will need their new defensive back to play well to help strengthen their secondary.
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