2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after first bowl weekend

While the Ravens definitely need to add some depth at safety, an area on the defense in which they are extremely thin, this pick might be more of a best available type. Jabrill Peppers would fill that need at safety, but he can also be a return specialist for the Ravens who haven’t had much luck there since Jacoby Jones.

Peppers is one of the most athletic players in college football and was even named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, ultimately finishing fifth in the voting. He might not have the greatest coverage ability, but he makes up for that with his speed and electrifying return skills.

Let’s face it, Peppers probably is a bit too small to play linebacker at the NFL level despite making that switch from his sophomore to his junior season in college and he is raw at safety, but he can be molded into an excellent safety with some time spent as a backup.

The junior definitely needs to work on coverage and sticking with receivers, but he is aggressive against the run, recording 66 tackles, 13 for loss and three sacks this season. He also added his first career interception against Ohio State.

How great of a story would it be for Peppers to play for Jim Harbaugh at Michigan and then go right to the NFL to play for his brother, John?