Washington Redskins 7-Round Mock Draft: Post-Christmas Edition
Round 1, Pick 18 – LB/S Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
It is no secret that the Washington Redskins need some help in the secondary and in the linebacker corps. The team is currently planning on moving linebacker Su’a Cravens to the safety position, and as a result, they will need to do a lot to upgrade the linebacker position. To do that, they could opt to add another hybrid player.
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Jabrill Peppers is widely considered to be one of the best defensive players in the draft. In his three seasons at Michigan, Peppers has played the safety position quite a bit while working more at linebacker in his junior season. That said, for the NFL, Peppers looks like a better fit at the linebacker position. He simply is not a great player in coverage, and lacks the ball skills to play the safety position.
During his time at Michigan, the star has only ever recorded a single interception. Usually, safeties put up better numbers in college. He still has great instincts, but he is definitely a better fit a linebacker, where he will have to play less in coverage. He can still be capable in coverage, but not on every play.
For those wondering if Peppers would last to the 18th pick, the answer is that it is certainly possible. According to WalterFootball.com’s Walter Cherepinsky, teams are not as high on Peppers as the media and casual fans are. Because of this, he could be available in the teens, though 18 is pretty close to his floor.