NFL
These Players Have The Most To Prove In 2018
NFL players past and present know one thing all too well—the day a player signs a contract, their clock begins ticking. NFL rosters are constantly changing and if players don’t produce, teams will find a player that will. The average NFL lifespan isn’t getting longer anytime soon. From nagging injuries to sheer lack of talent, a fair share of big names are on their last leg. These are the players with the most to prove.
Breshad Perriman
It’s safe to say that Baltimore has not had the best luck drafting receivers, especially in early rounds. Unfortunately for Ravens fans galore, Breshad Perriman seems destined to keep that trend going. Perriman has already become synonymous in Baltimore—for the wrong reason. Perriman simply can’t catch the ball to save his life. The former 26th overall draft pick started the 2018 preseason on the same foot, dropping a wide-open pass from QB Robert Griffin III that resulted in an interception. The preseason will be the end of the road for Perriman if he fails to show the glimpses of explosiveness he once showed at UCF.
Eli Apple
Tension began to build between former 1st-rounder Eli Apple and The Giants in week 5 of the 2017 season when Apple was benched for “disciplinary reasons”. The Ohio State product also had much tension within his family throughout his ‘sophomore slump’. In December, Pro Bowl safety Landon Collins called Apple a “cancer” in an interview with ESPN Radio New York. The Giants organization, as well as Apple himself, have made it apparent that much improvement must be made this season. With Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie on the free agent market, Apple will have a huge role in this secondary. This move shows that this organization is willing to give the former 10th overall pick one more chance to right his wrongs—it’s up to Apple to make the most of this opportunity.
Shaq Lawson
“It’s no secret that he [Shaq Lawson] hasn’t lived up to his draft status.” Those blunt words are what Bills GM Brandon Beane had to say about former 19th overall pick Shaq Lawson when asked about his camp status. Lawson showed incredible strength and athleticism as a Junior for Clemson. Piling up 24.5 TFL, 12.5 sacks, 59 tackles, and a forced fumble as a Junior—Lawson demanded the attention of offensive coordinators throughout the ACC. Unfortunately, Shaq hasn’t brought that same tenacity to the league. With a mere 6.5 sacks in 21 career games, the Bills are making it apparent that this is a make or break year for the former D. W. Daniel High School product. Shaq is one of many 2016 draft players with the most to prove.
