Ohio State football | NFL combine: Eli Apple confident he’s first-round material
Eli Apple entered the NFL combine believing he would be a first-round NFL pick. The Ohio State cornerback said he was leaving Indianapolis even more certain.
Apple ran an official 4.40-second 40-yard dash Monday, fifth-best among defensive backs this year, and was happy with his performance in the defensive-back drills.
“I definitely think I’m a first-round pick, for sure,” Apple said. “I feel I’ve done well in interviews with the coaches, keeping a confident demeanor and showing them my football knowledge. I’ve got all the intangibles to be a great NFL player, and I believe that wholeheartedly.”
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Ohio State safety Tyvis Powell also likely improved his stock by running a 4.46 in the 40.
“That was exactly what he wanted to run,” Apple said.
Safety Vonn Bell did not run the 40 because of a hamstring issue as the combine ended Monday. Fourteen Buckeyes participated.
“I don’t think it was as bad as people made it out to be,” Apple said. “It was definitely long and grueling and a crazy process, but I had fun. What made it fun was seeing all my teammates here. We’re doing the best we can to make it to the next level. That made the process easier.”
Ohio State’s pro day is March 11.
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