Dallas Cowboys 2017 NFL Draft: Five Safety Prospects

Jabrill Peppers, SS – Michigan

Strengths

Tough to start without mentioning the Michigan Wolverine’s ultra versatile safety Jabrill Peppers.  Peppers excelled as a kick and punt returner in his time at Ann Arbor.  In fact, most of his big plays were made on special teams.  He played, and effectively, as a running back for the Wolverine’s as well.  His best position though is safety.

The strongest aspect of Peppers’ game right now is his off the charts athleticism.  It is what allows him to be effective at multiple positions.  He is a former New Jersey State 100 meter and 200 meter high school champion and he plays with track speed.  His ability to contest balls in the air can be attested to his great leaping ability.

As a tackler he brings a very good balance of smack down and technique.  Often times it is one or the other especially with young defenders.  It is refreshing to see a young player with the athletic ability to arrive to the ball carrier with explosive power, but still have discipline enough to break down and wrap up.

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Weaknesses

Testament to Jabrill for helping his team in anyway, but it has undoubtedly stunted his growth as a Safety.  He showed improved instincts this last season, but still has a long way to go compared to some of the others in this draft class.  The inexperience hurts him in the run game were he often fails to take the right angles.  Defending the pass he doesn’t show the instinct necessary to make game changing plays because he is forced to play very reactionary.

Outlook for the Dallas Cowboys

Right now Pepper’s stock is all over the first round. Some have him top 10, some in the teens and others at the end of the round.  Here’s the thing, freak athletes that have shown as much potential as Peppers has tend to rise.  A team will fall in love with his potential and take a gamble on him no doubt.

If I am mistaken and he does slide it would be a long hard consideration at 28.  Dallas has taken risks on injuries and off the field issues ad nauseam. Why not take a risk on a raw player?  The board will be a big factor here.

How do the Cowboys feel about other safeties at #28 or #60?  What about the other positions of need? It’s difficult to determine right now deciding if they should pull the trigger, it ought to be more difficult come draft day.  Bottom line I think he would be a good fit and think at #28 the risk is well worth it.