Packers 2017 Draft: Jabrill Peppers would be a perfect fit at No. 29
Michigan standout Jabrill Peppers may be the most polarizing NFL Draft prospect in 2017 because of questions about his fit in an NFL defense. However, there is no denying Peppers’ athletic ability, which could prove useful in Green Bay’s secondary.
Some NFL scouts and front office members think Peppers’ best fit in the NFL is as a free safety. Others think it may be as a strong safety who can play in the box. Still others believe Peppers could be a useful nickel corner with the ability to cover tight ends. Some even believe the former Michigan star’s best fit is at running back.
Well, what if they’re all right?
The same questions that arise about Peppers’ fit in the NFL could easily be viewed as positive attributes pertaining to his versatility. Peppers played a whopping 15 different positions in college, according to NFLDraftScout.com.
What’s more is that pigeon-holing defenders into specific positions in NFL defenses is now a thing of the past. No longer are safeties either free or strong. Now cornerbacks are divided into slot corners and outside corners. Some linebackers specialize in pass coverage, while others are used as run stuffers.
The NFL game is now all about matchups, and as Peppers played all of the above at Michigan, he could prove extraordinarily useful as an NFL defender.
In 2015, Peppers was mainly a safety, but he also has played some at corner both on the outside and in the slot. As a redshirt freshman he had his warts, sure. But he also flashed potential at all three positions.
At free safety, Peppers showed the speed and athleticism necessary to cover ground on the back end. He may need some work tracking the ball in the air, but that’s what NFL coaches are for.
While at corner, Peppers’ athleticism also again flashed on tape, though admittedly, his technique needed some refinement. But the physical gifts are without a doubt present.
In 2016, Peppers switched to linebacker in the Wolverines’ defense where he recorded 46 tackles, 13 for loss, three sacks and his only career interception. At 5-foot-11 and 213 pounds, there were times when he got gobbled up by blockers near the line of scrimmage, but it’s unlikely Peppers plays in the box as often in the NFL.
While he played all over the field in college, Peppers’ most natural NFL fit may be as a hybrid nickel corner/safety. He has decent size and more than enough athleticism to take care of a lot of tight ends or slot receivers in coverage while still being able to call on his days as a linebacker to be useful at times around the line of scrimmage.
Peppers even has experience as a blitzer in Michigan’s scheme, would could prove beneficial for NFL defensive coordinators who like to create pressure from the secondary. Not to mention that as Peppers is taught the nuances of playing in an NFL defense, he can use his God-given abilities to be electric as a punt and kick returner from day one.
Plus, with more coaching and a specific position in the NFL, Peppers can only get better as NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein points out.
"The ultimate Swiss Army Knife on the collegiate level, and will likely play a hybrid role on the next level that allows him to blitz, cover and chase, Peppers’ draft value will be helped by his return ability and that is a role he should maintain throughout the earlier stages of his career. While Peppers doesn’t have the production teams expect from first-round defenders, he should benefit from a role that is more clearly defined on the next level."
So how do all these skills fit into the Packers’ defense? Well, almost perfectly, actually.
Does defensive coordinator Dom Capers value versatility in his defenders? Absolutely, and Peppers provides that in droves.
Does Capers love sending exotic blitzes and pressures, often from the secondary, at opposing quarterbacks? He sure does.
Could the Packers use more athleticism on defense? Absolutely.
Is there a need for a defender who can cover tight ends and roam the middle of the field while still being able to provide adequate run support? Peppers would be a major upgrade in Joe Thomas’ current role as a third-down linebacker, a position which has plagued the Packers’ defense in recent years.
Do the Packers need to replace a do-it-all, swiss army knife in the secondary after losing Micah Hyde to the Buffalo Bills? Sure do, and Peppers could even be an upgrade on Hyde after refining some of his coverage technique.
Peppers checks all the boxes of someone the Packers need to fill a hole in the secondary, not to mention the upgrade he would provide in the return game. And, honestly, if Mike McCarthy can find a place for Peppers in the backfield on offense every once in awhile, why not try that too? He’s electric enough with the ball to make it worth a shot.
There’s also a chance Peppers is still available at the end of the first round later this month as teams aren’t quite sure where to put him if they do select him. However, those questions could be to Green Bay’s benefit as someone with Peppers’ versatility and athleticism would certainly find a home with the Packers should he fall to pick No. 29.