If I would have been asked at any point over the last two collegiate seasons if I would like to see Jabrill Peppers end up with the Dallas Cowboys, my answer would've absolutely been yes. But, as things stand right now I'm a little bit on the fence. Because of that, I have been wondering whether or not the Cowboys draft Peppers in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft when they are on the clock at 28th overall.
Jabrill Peppers is without a doubt one of the more intriguing prospects in the entire 2017 draft class, but it doesn't really seem as if anybody really knows what position he should play in the NFL.
Is he a safety? Is he a linebacker? Is he a better offensive player?
If the Dallas Cowboys draft Peppers, they will have to be able to answer all those questions in order to get him on the field as soon as possible. That's just what you would expect from a first-round draft pick.
In all honesty, I'm actually starting to come around to the idea that the former Michigan star might just be the best player available when the Cowboys are on the clock. The more I study and learn about Peppers, the more I think the Cowboys draft him if he is still available. Continue reading if you want to know why.
Cowboys' Coaching Staff Familiarity
The Dallas Cowboys may feel more comfortable drafting Jabrill Peppers than the majority of other teams around the NFL. That is because they may just have a little inside information because of their safeties coach, Greg Jackson.
Before becoming the Cowboys' safety coach in 2016, Greg Jackson spent the 2015 season filling the same role at Michigan. That by the way was the last year Peppers played safety for the Wolverines before moving to linebacker in 2016.
Jackson may have a really good understanding of what Peppers is as a safety and where he needs to improve the most. That kind of knowledge is invaluable, especially when the team you work for is considering drafting that particular player with their first-round selection.
Not only can Jackson give advice about Peppers' skill set, but he also has firsthand knowledge of his work ethic and the kind of person he is on and off the field. Again, this kind of information is invaluable.
Jabrill Peppers' Intriguing Versatility
One of the reasons Jabrill Peppers is arguably the most intriguing prospect in the entire 2017 draft class is because of his versatility to play several different positions.
He was recruited to Michigan as a cornerback, but also played safety and linebacker on defense for the Wolverines. Peppers also played on the opposite side of the ball as a running back and wide receiver. But, that's not all. He is also dangerous in the return game as a punt and kick returner.
There are those that believe Peppers would be a better offensive player as either a running back or wide receiver in the NFL. They can certainly make a strong case for that, because he is dangerous anytime he has the ball in his hands. But, I think he is going to make a really good safety once he can buckle down and focus on one position.
The Cowboys are thin at the safety position with Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox leaving via free agency. Peppers could step in and start next to Byron Jones, but with Jeff Heath on the roster the Cowboys can afford to take their time before throwing him into the fire.
We all know the Cowboys like versatility in their players, and Peppers has that in spades. As a rookie he could end up being the starting safety next to Byron Jones. The Cowboys could also decide to use him as their primary return man or in certain packages on offense. He could even be used as a nickel linebacker.
There are so many ways that Jabrill Peppers can be utilized it almost seems as if it is a no-brainer for the Dallas Cowboys to draft him if he is still available. Unfortunately, we are going to have to wait until April 27 to find out.
