NFL Draft 2017: 5 Riskiest First Round Picks

The past two years have seen the Browns making incredibly intelligent moves in the draft. This draft was no different. Although one can question the decision to pass on Malik Hooker to take Jabrill Peppers, they did mitigate against the risk of the pick by acquiring the Houston Texans first round pick in 2018.

Peppers does fill a lot of needs for the Browns. Overlooked by the media is Peppers’ ability to return kicks. Punts and kickoff returns in Cleveland have been less than stellar for years now. Peppers changes that immediately.

Peppers lands in a good place in Cleveland. Browns Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has experience using hybrid players like Peppers and getting the most out of them. Peppers will line up all over the defense as a linebacker, corner and strong safety. One only need to think of Mark Barron’s role in the Los Angeles Rams defense.

This is not to say the pick is without risk. Peppers had a diluted sample at the NFL Combine. Diluted samples are treated as positive drug tests by the NFL. He enters the league already in the Substances of Abuse program.

He also needs to clean up technique in vital areas. Pass coverage is a weakness for him. Playing safety and cornerback will prove difficult if he cannot figure out how to cover.

Browns took a risk, but the reward may be high if Gregg Williams can whip him into shape.