The Cleveland Browns have selected safety Jabrill Peppers out of Michigan with the 25th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Selected with the pick acquired in an earlier trade-back deal with the Houston Texans, Peppers brings some all-important versatility to the Browns' defensive backfield.
His wide-ranging skill gives him potential to be a do-it-all chess piece of sorts at the next level, lining up at safety, slot corner, or even as a sub-package player in the box.
The demonstrated playmaking ability with the ball in his hands also provides some major value on special teams as a return man.
Peppers is the second of two first-round picks used on the defensive side Thursday night, joining No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett as a potential foundation piece for the ongoing rebuild.
Jabrill Peppers Bio
Position: S
School: Michigan
College Experience: Junior
Height: 5-11
Weight: 213 lbs.
Strengths
- Extremely versatile talent that can play slot, safety, or linebacker in certain packages.
- Big hitter who spent a ton of time at linebacker for Michigan.
- Can change the game as a returner or running back.
- Excellent sideline-to-sideline coverage.
Weaknesses
- Below-average ball skills, only one interception in his entire Michigan career.
- Average performer when asked to play deep safety. (NFL)
- Is often a step behind in diagnosing plays, relies too much on athleticism to react.
- Reportedly tested positive for a dilute sample at the scouting combine.
Combine Results
Event | Result |
---|---|
40-yd Dash | 4.46 sec |
Bench Press | 19 reps |
Vertical Jump | 35.5 inches |
Broad Jump | 128 inches |
3-Cone Drill | N/A |
20-yd Shuttle | N/A |