With a myriad of directions the Buccaneers could go in with their first round pick, there appears to be some interest in Michigan’s hybrid star Jabrill Peppers.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers reportedly had a meeting with Michigan star and Heisman finalist Jabrill Peppers after his pro day. The player without a position has expressed his desire to play safety in the NFL, but he also worked out with the linebackers during the scouting combine.
Jabrill Peppers met with Bucs today and Saints and Cardinals yesterday.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) March 24, 2017
Maybe I’m in the minority, but all I can say is, “please, Jason Licht, don’t do this.”
Peppers is a phenomenal athlete, there is no denying that. One of the most impressive athletes in this draft. That taken into consideration, what kind of football player is he?
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As a safety, he was not impressive at all in coverage. He had a measly one interception and eleven passes defensed in three seasons. He would line up in the box as a linebacker, but what good does that do the Bucs? They run the vast majority of their plays from the nickel meaning only two linebackers are on the field. What? Are they going to bench Lavonte David or Kwon Alexander for Peppers? Not a chance.
On offense, he was a gimmick weapon. A read option running back on a team that doesn’t run the read option? The Bucs can’t take a guy like that in the first round that they have to install a special package for to use one or two plays a game. It doesn’t make any sense.
Look, Peppers may pan out and become a star safety in the NFL. There are just too many questions surrounding this kid to risk their first round pick on. If Jason Licht ever needed to nail a draft pick, it needs to be this one.
The Bucs are not far away from being serious contenders in the NFC. Missing on a first round pick – a player that will have to come in, fill a void, and immediately make an impact – will set this team back to where they were last year. Whether it’s safety, running back, tight end, defensive end or whatever the case may be, this has to be a player that will step right in and make this team better.
Next: Buccaneers' New Marquee Trio Is Getting To Work
That’s not Jabrill Peppers.