The Los Angeles Chargers have become a factory for taking defensive backs from anywhere and everywhere and making them into serviceable starters. Whether it was the ability to take two fifth-round rookies and turn them into real NFL-caliber starters, or taking Tony Jefferson, who was coming out of retirement and making him into a real contributor, the Bolts have something special in their development/scheme to create the most for their guys.
One player that they took a chance on last season, due to a plethora of injuries stacking up, was the former first-round pick Eli Apple. Known as one of the most infamous defensive backs in recent memory, mainly due to his now old, “Twitter troll” mentality. He exclusively told NFL Writer Kyle Odegard that he is interested in re-signing with the Chargers.
Former First Round Pick Hints At Re-Signing With Chargers
The Chargers took Apple off the streets of NFL free agency and created an environment for the 29-year-old corner to have the best season of his long career. He ranked 14th in overall defensive grade out of eligible corners in PFF’s grading.
Eli Apple was elevated from the practice squad and had to fill in midgame due to CB injuries.
Giving you this
off the bench in your three coverage reps is awesome pic.twitter.com/krM1ipnaSr
— Tyler Schoon (@tylerjschoon) November 19, 2024
With this career renaissance, the Chargers still opted to bring in other competitors, Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste, to bring veteran presence to the young defensive back room spearheaded by Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart.
However, Apple says that a reunion is still very possible, at least on his end. “Anything’s possible. I’m not going to rule out anything. That would be nice. I know they made some moves at corner and brought in a couple other guys too, but, like I always say, ‘You can never have enough corners.’ I think anything’s possible. You never know.”
Apple is right, the Chargers can never have enough corners, especially after the reign of injuries they sustained last season at the position.
Eli Apple Comments On Chargers Young DBs
The former first-round pick, who is now a veteran DB, had plenty to say in regards to the Chargers young talent in the room. In Odegard’s interview, he says, “…they really, really stepped up. And that was like from the moment I got there. They made their first start in that Denver game, and I watched, and I was like, ‘Wow, they came into this league ready.’ And you see that every day in practice…I’m excited to see what their future holds.”
Fans should be excited for the futures of Still and Hart, especially coupled with the fact that former first round picks like Apple can see a bright future.
Justin Herbert’s Immense Talent Surprises Apple
Everyone wants to know the insight on their favorite quarterback; any tidbit of information they can gather is a valuable piece of content. Especially when it comes to the shy, not very social media present Justin Herbert.
Positive opinions from peers are always a strong start for helping the reputation of players like Herbert, who is always a point of conversation amongst NFL media members. To spread the word, Apple said:
“Herbert has the most impressive arm I’ve ever seen and been able to watch up close. The way the ball comes out of his hand is nothing short of amazing. Anytime we had a little break period, I would always find myself drifting towards the quarterbacks and receivers when they’re doing their routes on air, just so I can see it up close and be like, ‘Damn. That’s how the ball comes out?’ I gotta be this much faster on my breaks to get to those in-breakers and those out-breakers that he’s throwing. It was just incredible zip.”
High praise for a Herbert, especially coming from a former first round pick who has played with the likes of Drew Brees, Joe Burrow and Eli Manning.
For more tidbits on Apple and other Chargers-related information, give Odegard’s full interview a read.
Main Image: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
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