Michigan Football 2017 Mock Draft Roundup: March 23
The NFL Combine has come and gone, while Pro Days have started across the country, which have shaken up the various 2017 NFL mock drafts about the web. When we last looked at them in late February, we rounded up 15 projections with defensive end Taco Charlton a first-round selection in all, while Jabrill Peppers was listed among the top 32 picks in all but one.
Since shining at the NFL Combine, Peppers has risen to being ranked No. 1 in NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock's positional rankings, although the only other Wolverines to make the cut were defensive tackle Chris Wormley (No. 5 interior DL) and cornerback Jourdan Lewis (No. 3 nickel back); tight end Jake Butt is listed under exceptions, presumably because he is talented enough to make the top five but has the knee injury he is recovering from as an X-factor.
Defensive end Taco Charlton is a notable absence from Mayock's listing, but he was the lone U-M representative to make the big boards of the top overall prospects done by ESPN experts Mel Kiper Jr. (No. 8) and Todd McShay (No. 17).
Opinions are split on several of Michigan's top draft prospects, but Peppers and Charlton are consistent first-round predictions at this time. Both were taken in the first stanza of 13 of the 17 mocks we examined (most of which covered just the opening 32 picks, although ones that went deeper are noted below), with Charlton having a best selection of No. 11 by the Saints in two mocks while Peppers' best selection was No. 15 by the Colts in one. Their average draft positions in the 13 mocks they were selected in are almost similar — Peppers checks in at 21.9, while Charlton's average spot to come off the board was 22.2.
Popular destinations included No. 17 Washington (four mocks), No. 22 Miami (two), No. 28 Dallas (two) and No. 31 Pittsburgh (two) for Peppers, while Charlton's most common choice was No. 21 Detroit (by four, although another projected a trade down to No. 27, where they went with Charlton); he was also mocked twice to No. 11 New Orleans and No. 22 Miami.
A look at the 17 recent mock drafts from around the web, where former Wolverines are projected for the April 27-29 NFL Draft and what they are saying about the choices:
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (Updated: March 22)
28. S Jabrill Peppers (Cowboys)
"Wouldn't this be a Jerry Jones type of pick? Peppers is one of the most well-known prospects in this class, but he's a tweener (5-11, 213) who's polarizing to NFL scouts. The team that drafts him will have to get creative and use him as a hybrid safety who can play the run and cover tight ends. Peppers could also be a great return man. He's a tremendous athlete (4.46 40, 35.5-inch vertical). And Dallas' secondary has been depleted in free agency."
31. Taco Charlton (Falcons)
"Charlton falls to Atlanta here in this projection because a 4.92 40 at 6-6, 277 at the combine was concerning. He's still a first-round talent, however, and I suspect the Falcons would be thrilled to put him on the other side of Vic Beasley Jr., who broke out with 15.5 sacks last season, and let him get after quarterbacks."
Todd McShay, ESPN (Updated: March 15)
28. DE Taco Charlton (Cowboys)
"Charlton is just a solid all-around player — he can get after the QB and stop the run — and Dallas could use a few more of those along the defensive line. He has always had the raw ability, but this past season he showed more consistency and refined technique, finishing the season on a tear (10 sacks in his final 10 games)."
Rob Rang, CBS Sports (Updated: March 13)
16. S Jabrill Peppers (Ravens)
"With starting safety Matt Elam a pending free agent and Eric Weddle poised to enter his 11th NFL season, the Ravens may very well be looking for help in the secondary in the 2017 draft. Peppers starred as a linebacker in 2016 but possesses the agility and speed to handle coverage."
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports/NFLDraftScout.com (Updated: March 21)
22. DE Taco Charlton (Dolphins)
"The Dolphins will be looking to add another pass rush option in the draft and Charlton is an ascending prospect that can be groomed behind Cameron Wake."
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports (Updated: March 16)
22. S Jabrill Peppers (Dolphins)
"Hybrid players are becoming the chic thing in the NFL these days. Peppers is that kind of player. He can play safety or drop down as nickel linebacker."
Will Brinson, CBS Sports (Updated: March 16)
15. S Jabrill Peppers (Colts)
"Chuck Pagano gets to make this pick alongside Chris Ballard, instead of being told who he's getting, which means that the Colts bring in a guy who is versatile."
21. DE Taco Charlton (Lions)
"The Lions need to improve their pass rush and they could do much worse than grabbing the delightfully named local product."
Jared Dubin, CBS Sports (Updated: March 21)
21. DE Taco Charlton (Lions)
"We’ll keep saying it: When you sack the quarterback only 26 times in a season, it's safe to say you need help getting after the passer."
30. S Jabrill Peppers (Steelers)
"Peppers gives the Steelers a playmaker on the back end of the defense, something they've lacked over the last few years."
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports (Updated: March 22)
22. DE Taco Charlton (Dolphins)
"Charlton, who has drawn comparisons to Chandler Jones, racked up 14 sacks the past two seasons, and his ability to get after the passer would fill an obvious void on a Dolphins team that ranked 31st in pass rush a year ago."
Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com (March 20) — 4 rounds
11. DE Taco Charlton (Saints)
"From what I've heard from sources, the Saints love Charlton, so I don't think they would pass on him. Entering the 2016 season, Charlton flashed for Michigan but was mainly a backup and also was used inside at tackle. In 2016 though, he racked up 9.5 sacks, 43 tackles and 13 tackles for a loss as the bookend defensive end with the stout Chris Wormley. The 6-foot-6, 277-pounder Charlton is athletic with versatile size and length to be a base end in a 4-3 defense or a standup linebacker in a 3-4. Charlton is fast, explosive, and has serious upside to develop in the NFL. Teams feel he could go top-10 and should go top half of the first round."
17. S Jabrill Peppers (Redskins)
"Here is a safety who could help the Redskins defend against Ezekiel Elliott, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten. Peppers had a good 2016 season for Michigan with 72 tackles, 16 for a loss, four sacks, one interception, zero pass breakups and one forced fumble. He was electric on special teams and especially phenomenal on punt returns, taking one for a touchdown. … Sources say they see Peppers (5-11, 213) as a hybrid safety/linebacker in the NFL. He has the athletic skill set to play pass coverage, but often can be caught flat-footed. His ball skills aren't special either, as he made just one interception in his collegiate career, which was from catching a tipped pass. Thus, some sources think Peppers would fit best as a safety in the middle of the field. That would allow him to make plays off his instincts, and he could be a weapon in pass coverage on tight ends, blitzing quarterbacks, playing zone, and defending the run. There is no doubt that Peppers has a ton of athletic upside. He could play safety and dime linebacker, similar to Deone Bucannon. Peppers should also be used on special teams as he is a dangerous weapon there."
44 (pick 12 of round 2). CB Jourdan Lewis (Bills)
"If Lewis (5-10, 188) were larger, he would be a first-round pick. Lewis is a fast, athletic corner who is adept at running the route to prevent separation. In the NFL, however, he is going to struggle with big receivers making receptions over him. The senior had 25 tackles with 11 passes broken up and two interceptions during 2016. … He will have to be a slot corner in the NFL."
45 (pick 13 of round 2). DE Chris Wormley (Colts)
"The Colts need to find multiple upgrades on the defense and badly need more difference-makers at the point of attack. Here's a player who will help Indianapolis' run defense and pass rush. Wormley notched 40 tackles with nine for a loss and six sacks in 2016. His pass rush looked improved as a senior. … At 6-foot-5, 297 pounds, Wormley has versatile size to play in a either a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense. In a 3-4, he would be a five-technique defensive end. In a 4-3, he could play tackle, end or both. Wormley needs to continue to develop his pass-rushing moves."
84 (pick 20 of round 3). TE Jake Butt (Buccaneers)
"The Bucs need a tight end to pair with Cameron Brate. Butt had 46 receptions for 546 yards and four touchdowns in 2016 before suffering some knee tears in his bowl game. … The 6-foot-5, 246-pounder is a good receiver down the seam and uses his size to his advantage. Butt looked very good as a receiver and pass blocker in Harbaugh's pro-style offense. Butt could stand to get nastier and improve his run blocking; however, he did show progress on that front as a senior."
143 (pick 36 of round 4). RB De’Veon Smith (49ers)
"The 49ers grab some running back depth. In 2016, Smith averaged 4.7 yards per carry for 846 yards with 10 touchdowns. He made 16 receptions for 66 yards as well. Smith is a tough downhill runner who also has some vision and cutting ability. His numbers suffered in 2016 because he split carries, but he is a talented back. At the East-West Shrine, Smith (5-10, 220) was excellent and sources raved about him. He showed some real receiving and blocking skills. The performance in St. Petersburg earned Smith an invitation to the Senior Bowl, where he put together a solid week."
Walter Cherepinsky, WalterFootball.com (Updated: March 21) — 4 rounds
11. DE Taco Charlton (Saints)
"The Saints are in desperate need of an edge rusher to play across from Cameron Jordan. I have to believe they would love it if Taco Charlton would fall to them at No. 11, as Charlie Campbell reported in the NFL Draft Rumor Mill that one team believes the Michigan product will be a top-10 pick. Charlton has great size, athleticism and length with great pass-rushing skills, and he would do a lot to improve New Orleans' stop unit."
22. S Jabrill Peppers (Dolphins)
"Jabrill Peppers had a tremendous combine, and I'm sure Stephen Ross would love to have a fellow Michigan man join his team. Peppers fills a need, as the Dolphins cut Isa Abdul-Quddus, opening up a void at safety. Peppers would be a nice answer for some of the weapons New England has on its offense."
49 (pick 17 of round 2). DL Chris Wormley (Redskins)
"As mentioned in the first round, the Redskins need help at defensive end, inside linebacker and safety to shore up the middle of their defense. Chris Wormley is the sort of prospect the Redskins love, and he's one of the top players available."
89 (pick 25 of round 3). OT Erik Magnuson (Texans)
"The Texans are desperate for a right tackle and could even select one in the first round. I doubt they leave Day 2 without a new edge blocker."
128 (pick 21 of round 4). WR Amara Darboh (Vikings)
"Cordarrelle Patterson is gone, and I'm sure the Vikings wouldn't mind having someone push Laquon Treadwell."
Peter Schrager, FOX Sports (Updated: March 21) — 2 rounds
17. S Jabrill Peppers (Redskins)
"I’ve seen Peppers go as high as top five in some mock drafts. He may very well. Or he can go somewhere in the 20-32 range. The scintillating past of Peppers’ repertoire is his versatility. The confounding part may be just where he fits best. He had a great week in Indianapolis and is a competitor. Curious to see how the NFL views him."
38 (pick 6 of round 2). DE Taco Charlton (Chargers)
46 (pick 14 of round 2). CB Jourdan Lewis (Colts)
55 (pick 23 of round 2). TE Jake Butt (Giants)
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com (Updated: March 20)
21. DE Taco Charlton (Lions)
"Charlton is a solid edge defender with a rock-solid game at the point of attack."
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (Updated: March 13)
17. S Jabrill Peppers (Redskins)
"Peppers is a unique athlete, with the ability to excel at the nickel position as well as play as a high safety. He will also be a major difference-maker on special teams."
29. DE Taco Charlton (Packers)
"The Packers lost Julius Peppers in free agency; Charlton has the tools to develop into a double-digit sack artist at the next level."
Charley Casserly, NFL.com (March 7)
30. S Jabrill Peppers (Steelers)
"The Steelers take the most versatile athlete in the draft to fill their safety need."
Chad Reuter, NFL.com (Updated: March 15) — 4 rounds
17. S Jabrill Peppers (Redskins)
"Now that Peppers showed he's perfectly capable of handling deep-half responsibility, the Redskins will grab him."
21. DE Taco Charlton (Lions)
"Charlton stays in-state to help Ziggy Ansah bully passers in the NFC North."
72 (pick 8 of round 3). TE Jake Butt (Patriots)
77 (pick 13 of round 3). CB Jourdan Lewis (Cardinals)
105 (pick 41 of round 3). DL Chris Wormley (Steelers)
144 (pick 37 of round 4). OL Ben Braden (49ers)
Chris Burke, Sports Illustrated (Updated: March 22)
24. S Jabrill Peppers (Raiders)
"While the jury remains out on Peppers’s ultimate draft value, his combine performance and unique versatility still point toward a Round 1 landing spot. This is a good one. The Raiders would be able to mix and match like few other teams can if they partnered Peppers and 2016 first-rounder Karl Joseph."
27. DE Taco Charlton (Lions … via mock trade with Kansas City)
"Charlton is a player Detroit no doubt would consider at 21, meaning he’s a great option at 27. He isn’t as polished a player as the ongoing hype around him might have one believe, but he does have the upside to justify that buzz. This is a value-meets-need pairing. Here’s my full scouting report on Charlton."
Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report (March 21) — 7 rounds
23. DE Taco Charlton (Giants)
"At 6'6" and 277 pounds, Charlton has the size to be used in different ways while adding to team's defensive line depth. … Start your engines, Giants fans, because it's time for an already improved defense to add another gear."
28. S Jabrill Peppers (Cowboys)
"Michigan's Jabrill Peppers is considered one of the class' top talents, yet he's a man without a position. Peppers played linebacker during his final season on Michigan's campus. He projects to safety, though. Once he moves to the back line, he'll be continually tested in coverage. … The Heisman Trophy finalist has his detractors, but his raw ability and playmaking skills are exactly what a talent-deficient Dallas secondary needs."
95 (pick 31 of round 3). DL Chris Wormley (Falcons)
106 (pick 42 of round 3). TE Jake Butt (Seahawks)
114 (pick 7 of round 4). WR Amara Darboh (Redskins)
124 (pick 17 of round 4). OL Kyle Kalis (Titans)
130 (pick 23 of round 4). OL Erik Magnuson (Texans)
138 (pick 31 of round 4). DT Ryan Glasgow (Bengals)
162 (pick 18 of round 5). CB Jourdan Lewis (Buccaneers)
173 (pick 29 of round 5). S Delano Hill (Steelers)
198 (pick 14 of round 6). CB Jeremy Clark (49ers)
201 (pick 17 of round 6). CB Channing Stribling (Redskins)
217 (pick 33 of round 6). WR Jehu Chesson (Bengals)
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