Michigan Football: NFL Teams Shouldn’t Worry About Jabrill Peppers Position

Former Michigan football player Jabrill Peppers may not have one position, but that should’t cause his stock to free fall in the 2017 NFL draft.

There have been many mistakes made in the NFL draft over the years. And if Jabrill Peppers of Michigan football doesn’t go in the first round, it will be another.

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However, as the scouting combine, one of the most important events leading up the draft approaches, NFL teams still don’t know what to make of the Michigan football product.

According to Bucky Brooks of NFL.com, Peppers lack of position clarity has hurt him among NFL talent experts.

"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. With that in mind, let’s open the book on Peppers and examine the Michigan standout’s potential as a pro."

Brooks went on to say he believes Peppers will be picked somewhere between picks No. 32-50.

"With that in mind, I believe Peppers is destined to come off the board within the first 50 selections, and probably in the second round between picks 32 and 59. Teams like the New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs and Tennessee Titans would be ideal fits based on their schemes and coaching staffs."

While Brooks and others have good things to say about Peppers overall, his lack of a true position has hurt his stock, as some doubt where he will fit in the NFL.

Peppers has diverse talents, there is no question about that. Yet, because of that, he can impact the game in a multitude of ways, so why on earth is that considered a bad thing?

Peppers isn’t an elite coverage guy, at least not on the outside. But he can handle his own. He has elite speed and athleticism and most importantly he’s physical. He’s short and small, but he packs a punch.

Seriously, who wouldn’t want a player, who can play nickel corner, linebacker and safety?

Peppers is not big enough to take on NFL offensive lineman, but his quickness makes him hard to block. It also allows him to cover a lot of ground, which is important for preventing big plays.

However, Peppers doesn’t just prevent big plays, he also makes them.

Peppers thrives as a pass rusher. He’s at his best playing downhill.

But in 2015, when he played more as a defensive back, he finished with 10 passes defensed. He did manage just one career interception, but he finds the football.

In two seasons for Michigan football, he had 18.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, 11 passes defensed and one pick. And did I forget to mention he’s a big-time return specialist?

Think Devin Hester if he were a defensive superstar.

Peppers is a square peg the NFL is trying to fit into a round hole. It may take some creativity and some ingenuity, but whatever teams picks him in the upcoming NFL draft, as long as they allow him to roam, won’t be disappointed.

Peppers is a classic four-down football player. His lack of a true position might hurt his draft stock, but once he enters the league, he won’t be hindered by it. Instead, he will succeed because of it.

Expect a show from Peppers at the combine this week. It may not change minds, but it should.

He’s a rare talent. And if he falls out of the first round, he will make a lot of NFL teams, look silly for passing on such a gifted prospect.

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The NFL draft is littered with mistakes and it sounds as if a bunch of teams are about to make another one.