Скачать или смотреть What Happened to the MOST Versatile Player in College Football (Jabrill Peppers?)

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   • The Film Room Ep. 29: Jabrill Peppers Scou...  

On January 10, 2017, Jabrill Peppers announced his decision to forgo his final two years of NCAA eligibility and declare for the 2017 NFL Draft. At the NFL Combine, he showcased his versatility by participating as both a linebacker and safety, running a blazing 4.46 40-yard dash—the fastest among linebackers. Now at 5’11 213, this is what you would expect, but still a 4.46 at any size in impressive.

Despite his impressive showing, his draft process was possibly damaged by a controversy when a diluted drug test sample raised questions. Peppers’ agent attributed this to illness and overhydration and this incident seemed to be pushed under the rug. I say this because Peppers was ultimately projected as a first- or second-round pick, which is exactly where he ended up.

The Cleveland Browns selected Peppers with the 25th overall pick in the first round, making him the third safety taken in the draft. He signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $10.7 million contract and was quickly thrust into a starting role as the team’s free safety and primary return specialist. That is exactly where NFL scouts thought he would go.

In his scouting report, Peppers was described as the "ultimate Swiss Army knife" at the collegiate level, projected to play a similar hybrid role in the NFL. His ability to blitz, cover, and chase made him a versatile asset, with his return skills further boosting his draft value. While his production at Michigan didn’t match what teams typically expect from first-round defenders, Peppers’ man-cover ability and physicality—especially against tight ends—stood out. He quickly handled most receivers, aggressively re-routing them and blitzing effectively from all angles.