NY Giants Bring New Jersey Native Close to Home With First Round NFL Draft Pick

Eli Apple’s journey has taken him home, or at least close enough so that his family doesn’t have far to drive to watch him play.

The Eastern Regional High School graduate and Voorhees native was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft by the New York Giants Thursday night in Chicago.

The Giants took the Ohio State University graduate with the tenth overall pick.

Apple, a 2012 Eastern graduate, led the Vikings to a 7-4 record and a spot in the South Jersey Group V semifinals his senior year, according to nj.com. He was known as Eli Woodward at the time.

The 6’1,” 200-pound DB committed to Ohio State University over Rutgers.

A two-year starter, he was part of the 2014 national championship team. During the championship season, he had 53 total tackles, including 33 solo tackles and 5.5 for loss. He also had three interceptions and forced a fumble. His stats dropped slightly last year, according to sports-reference.com.

He had the fourth fastest 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine by a DB who’s 6’1” or taller since 2006. Experts believe he has a lot of potential, but shows inconsistency due to a lack of reps.

Many were surprised by the pick, as the Giants already have Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Janoris Jenkins as starting corners, but general manager Jerry Reese told upi.com, "(Apple) is the highest guy on the board beyond the guys with issues."

Reese also said he expects Apple to be able to play all over the field.

And the drive from Voorhees to East Rutherford is a lot easier than the drive to Columbus, Ohio. Plus, family and friends will see him play across the Walt Whitman Bridge every year, when the Giants visit Lincoln Financial Field to play the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles.

One of the few criticisms that's been thrown about is that he can't cook.But he did do this in the 2014 national title game against Oregon.

The draft continues Friday night with the second and third rounds. The Giants will select ninth in the second round, and eighth in the third. The draft concludes on Saturday.