Chicago Bears 2017 draft position profiles: Safeties

Jabrill Peppers, Michigan (6-foot-1, 208 pounds)

The case of Jabrill Peppers is very interesting. He is an amazing athlete, maybe one of the best in the past few decades. He has elite speed, great footwork, fluid and loose hips, and great instincts.

When you talk about versatility, you talk about Peppers. He helped the Wolverines not just at safety, but also at cornerback and even linebacker as well.

His versatility doesn’t stop there. He also ran the ball as a running back and caught passes as well.

But wait, there’s more. Peppers was also a very good punt returner.

Defensively, wherever Peppers plays he hits with passion. He is aggressive, and anytime he’s on the field he brings excitement. In addition to laying a big hit, he makes a key stop, and makes a big run or makes a huge return. He gets the fans on their feet cheering. The Bears could use some of that.

I had a discussion with someone (okay maybe an argument) about how helpful Peppers will be to an NFL team. The name of the game today is versatility. More and more coaches are like Fangio, who loves to use the same players in different schemes. Why go through sending in different personnel when you can just keep the guys on the field and change up the scheme?

Scouts are just as split on Peppers. With his exceptional athleticism, many have him going in the top half of the draft. There are those, however, who have him lower. In fact, I’ve seen some mocks where he goes in the third round! They see the positions he plays, but don’t feel he is exceptional at any one of them.

In 2016, Peppers recorded 72 tackles (16 for loss), four sacks and a forced fumble. He also averaged 14.8 yards per punt return and 26 yards per kickoff return.

Peppers has the skills to adapt to the NFL. He is the total package — he has a high football IQ and he has God-given tools to impress. I look forward to next season and seeing him play on Sundays.