Eli Apple Should Be Washington Redskins' No. 1 Draft Target Following 2016 NFL Combine

The Washington Redskins surprised a lot of individuals by making it to the playoffs last season, and now look like a promising team on the rise. They have a young quarterback who the coaches believe in, as well as the potential for a strong running game. Their defense does need some help though if they are to make it back to the postseason, and should be a focal point of theirs for the draft. One player they should consider is cornerback Eli Apple, who would give them some needed talent in the secondary.

Upgrading the cornerback position should be a big priority for the team, and there should be some solid prospects available later in the first round. Vernon Hargreaves III would be a huge steal for them, although it is unlikely that he will fall that late. Mackensie Alexander, William Jackson III, and Kendall Fuller are other options that the team could consider, as each has plenty of potential to develop into a lockdown cornerback.

Apple might be the best fit for them, as his size and physical approach to the game could help with some of the more talented receivers in the division. He is fast enough to keep up with quicker receivers, and is not afraid to mix it up at the line of scrimmage. He also has experience in big games, and played for one of the top teams in the country the past few seasons.

The Redskins need to improve their secondary, and should strongly consider taking a cornerback with their first pick. There are several options that would be a good fit for the team, and could help them match up better with opposing receivers. The Redskins will hope to make a deeper playoff run next season, and need more production from their defense.