2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round Projections after Week 13

3 of 32

Nov 5, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) runs the ball in the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

52. . DB. Michigan. Jabrill Peppers. 3. player

Heading into the season with so much hope, the Jacksonville Jaguars have completely fallen apart once again in 2016. Blake Bortles is broken, but I’m assuming that the Jaguars will give him at least one more year to prove himself before they look for a new quarterback.

Picking this early in the first round, the Jaguars would be wise to look for an impact player to bolster their secondary. While Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers isn’t a pure player at any one position, he’s such a dynamic weapon that there’s a good chance he’s a top-three pick in April.

Peppers probably projects best as a safety in the NFL, but a smart defensive coaching staff will move him all over the place to force offenses to pay attention to him. The Michigan prospect is an incredible athlete who was born to play football with some elite instincts and a nose for the ball.

Scouts are nervous about the fact that Peppers hasn’t specialized at one position, but we’ve seen players like Deone Bucannon and Shaq Thompson thrive in a hybrid role at the next level.

Home/NFL Draft