Big Apple bulks up for 2017

Eli Apple has a message for his mother, Annie.

“We can’t go with fried chicken all the time,’’ Eli said Friday after a Giants organized team activity practice.

The 2016 first-round pick from Ohio State arrived for his second NFL season with the Giants bigger than he was as a rookie. He added 10 pounds of muscle and now weighs 204 pounds stretched across his 6-foot-1 frame.

Working out in Arizona, Apple said he lifted weights harder and put junk food “to the side a little bit.’’ Once he returned to New Jersey, Apple ate meals prepared by his mother, who he described as “a good cook, but she could be better.’’

Despite bulking up a bit, Apple said he is faster than he was as a rookie, noting the GPS device he and other Giants players wear registered he was moving faster earlier this week than at any time last year.

“I think I’ll be more comfortable out there,’’ Apple said. “I’ll be able to move faster and quicker. I’m already faster and just being stronger, being able to tackle more. Just bigger running backs and stuff and being able to press bigger receivers.’’

Apple did not participate in Friday’s OTA. He was kept on the side because of a sore hamstring.

➤ WR Brandon Marshall was held out of practice.

“We were smart with him,’’ coach Ben McAdoo said. “He is sore, so we don’t want to push the issue this time of the year.’’

➤ TE Matt LaCosse, coming back from two injury-filled seasons, was noticeable Friday, with several catches in the end zone.

“He made some nice plays,’’ McAdoo said. “He is a big target down there in the green zone. Matchup-wise, he gives you that length that you are looking for, he can run and he is a functional blocker, so he has a nice skillset.’’

➤ The Giants re-signed CB Nigel Tribune, a rookie they released last month. Tribune started 29 games at Iowa State. He replaces another cornerback, SaQwan Edwards, who was waived.