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2017 NFL Draft: 5 Overrated Players for the Baltimore Ravens

By Remy Cabache

Oct 29, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Teez Tabor (31) against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at EverBank Field. Florida Gators defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Teez Tabor (31) against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at EverBank Field. Florida Gators defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 24, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) is seen during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) is seen during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan

Jabrill Peppers is one of the more polarizing players in this year’s draft. His athleticism and versatility made him one of the most exciting players in college football last season. Coming off a great season which saw him excel on offense and defense made him a lot of peoples pick for any team in need of a versatile playmaker on defense. One of those teams is the Ravens.

First things first I have to say that I do really like Peppers as a player and I am excited to see what he can become. He is a truly great athlete. He’s fast, explosive and moves naturally and smoothly. Though he is a safety he was willing to play linebacker for Michigan last season as that best helped the team. He flew around the line of scrimmage and his speed really stood out when he was used as a blitzer or when he shot into the backfield to make a tackle for loss.

Finding His Role:

As a safety he figures to be a box safety. Though he is a great athlete his coverage skills aren’t quite good enough for him to play a more traditional center-fielder role. He can play some nickel cornerback and be part of a two deep safety look.

What’s more he adds game-changing ability in the return game and may even be able to help on offense.

Related Story: Jabrill Peppers Is Not An Option For The Baltimore Ravens

With all that said, I just don’t see him as a fit for the Ravens at 16th overall, and I don’t think he’s actually good enough for a pick that high. The Ravens are set at safety for at least a few more years with Weddle and Jefferson. He is too small and not strong enough to fill in at linebacker like he did at Michigan and he doesn’t have the cover skills to play slot corner permanently. His return skills would be appreciated but no team should spend the 16th pick in the 1st round on someone who will be a backup/role player for his first few seasons.

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