Michigan Football: Peppers Seen As A Second-Rounder

Yet another NFL analyst has weighed in on former Wolverine Jabrill Peppers, giving an update on someone projected to go early in the 2017 NFL Draft.

NFL.com analyst and former NFL scout Bucky Brooks noted the book certainly isn’t written on Peppers at this point.

“Michigan's Jabrill Peppers, a 2016 Heisman Trophy finalist, is arguably the most polarizing prospect in the 2017 draft class despite an impressive highlight reel that shows him delivering impact plays from eight different positions (safety, cornerback, nickel defender, linebacker, Wildcat QB, running back, receiver and return specialist),” Brooks wrote. “Although the 6-foot-1, 207-pound dynamo nearly claimed college football's top honor due to his unrivaled versatility, scouts are undecided about his best position as a pro and the uncertainty has devalued his position in some circles.

“As crazy as it sounds, some coaches and evaluators would rather have a prospect with a clearly defined position to plug into their scheme instead of a potential star with an unspecified role heading into the league.”

Brooks gave the following evaluations he’s garnered from around the league:

“He is a bigger, more explosive version of Tyrann Mathieu.”— NFC executive

“He is a box safety or nickel linebacker. He doesn't play well in the back end and is just OK in man coverage. He does have a knack for blitzing and finding the ball in the box. I think you need to have a plan for him because he is good in the return game and he loves playing football. ... I just struggle with him as a defensive player.” — AFC college scouting director

“I think he is a better offensive player than defensive prospect. I'm concerned about the lack of interceptions and his lack of physicality. He is more of a run-and-chase defender to me. He might have a chance as a 4-3 (weakside) linebacker but I believe he might be better with the ball in his hands.” — AFC college scouting director

“I think he could be a pretty good safety, but I see him as more of a strong safety. I would keep him close to the line of scrimmage because he is a little slow to key and diagnose plays. He should get better with more reps. ... I think he is a good player and an explosive returner, but he needs to go to the right team. Scheme fit will be crucial for him.” — AFC senior executive

As for his own take, Brooks noted: “Peppers might be the most versatile prospect I've studied in the past decade. He lines up all over the field on both sides of the ball and is a dynamic playmaker in the return game. As a three-way player with speed, athleticism and explosiveness, Peppers is a coach's dream on the field. He can deliver splash plays at a moment's notice and his versatility will make it easy for a creative defensive coordinator to build a game plan around his unique talents.

“As a run defender, Peppers is best described as a ‘run-and-chase’ player. He is at his best running ball carriers down from the backside or floating to the edges to make big hits on perimeter runs. Although he is prone to making a "cut tackle" (shoulder-block runners through their thigh pads) instead of wrapping up runners, his tape shows that he is an effective tackler who rarely misses.”

Brooks likes Peppers’ man-to-man cover ability, in terms of feet and movement skills. He also hails Peppers’ pass rushing ability, and explosive playmaking ability as a kick returner.

Brooks compares him to Utah defensive back Eric Weddle, and sees him as a second-round pick, between the No. 32 and 59 selections. Here’s the complete rundown from NFL.com.