NFL Draft brimming with solid safeties this year
(Seventh in a series)
Two safeties being drafted among the first 10 picks?
In most years there aren't any safeties taken in the top 10. Only two safeties have been drafted in the first round in the previous two years.
But at least three will be selected in Round One on April 27 - Ohio State's Malik Hooker, LSU's Jamal Adams and Michigan's Jabrill Peppers - and two could be in the top 10.
None of the three are alike, so there's something for everyone.
Hooker has elite range and ball skills but is not an in-the-box safety.
Adams is a bone crusher around the line of scrimmage but doesn't have ideal speed to patrol the deep middle.
Peppers is like no one else.
He's performed in more positions than a contortionist - including safety, cornerback, linebacker, defensive end, punt returner, kickoff returner, slot receiver and running back.
The NFL couldn't decide what to do with him at the Scouting Combine. He was told that, since he was listed as a linebacker at Michigan, he had to work out with the linebackers.
But, at a fraction under 6 feet tall and 213 pounds, Peppers knows he is destined to be a strong safety in the NFL. So he asked if he could work out with the defensive backs and was told he could - after he worked out with the linebackers.
"They said the only way I can do it is if I do both," Peppers said. "I was like, 'That's easy. That's no problem at all.'"
With his competitiveness and intensity, Peppers probably would have worked out with the offensive linemen.
But he believes his future is at safety, and that's how he's been working out in the off-season.
"I had to fill a void this year because it was best for the team, and if I had to do it all over again I would," he said. "I didn't think it would hurt me. My mindset was, whatever I had to do I'm gonna do it to the best of my ability and try to make plays when I can. I think that's what I did, and that's what I'm gonna continue to do."
Whatever NFL team gets Peppers will have a unique gadget.
He averaged 5.3 yards and scored 5 touchdowns on 45 carries at Michigan and caught 10 passes for 82 yards. He averaged 26.8 yards on 18 career kickoff returns and 13.1 yards on 39 punt returns.
But he's better on defense. In the right scheme with the right coordinator, Peppers could be an even more versatile version of Troy Polamalu. The ex-Steeler made eight Pro Bowls, intercepted 32 passes, forced 14 fumbles and had 12 sacks in a brilliant 12-year career.
As far as how he would fit in different schemes, Peppers doesn't worry.
"I control the 'controllables' " he said. "I'm pretty much effective wherever I'm gonna be put. I don't have a lot of tape at safety, but I'm a pretty (darn) good safety. I think a lot of teams notice that."
Next up: Offensive line.
Top 10 safeties in 2017 draft
Name, school Ht. Wt. 40-time
Malik Hooker, Ohio State 6-1 206 4.46
Soph. showed great range and ball skills (7 picks) in only year as a starter; needs to improve tackling.
Jamal Adams, LSU 6-11.6 214 4.56
Leader of men and a punisher of ball carriers. Not ball-hawking CF type but an enforcer who seeks contact.
Jabrill Peppers, Michigan 5-10.7 213 4.46
Rare all-around talent. Played LB, RB, WR, KR. Not a great ball athlete but could be special in right role.
Budda Baker, Washington 5-9.5 195 4.49
The former HS state 100M champ is undersized but has a lot of heart. More heat-seeking missile than ball hawk.
Obi Melifonwu, Connecticut 6-3.7 224 4.43
Unheard of size-speed combo. Physical freak (44-inch vertical, 11-9 broad jump). Instincts lacking.
Josh Jones, North Carolina St. 6-1.3 220 4.41
Has the size and mentality to be an in-the-box enforcer and the speed to play CF. At times is too aggressive.
Justin Evans, Texas A & M 5-11.5 199 4.50
Seeks out contact but may be too physical for his own body. Can be effective ball athlete when playing CF.
Marcus Williams, Utah 6-0.5 202 4.59
Has the range and instincts to excel as CF (9 picks in 2 years) but lacks physicality to bang in the box.
Marcus Maye, Florida 5-11.6 210 4.55
Solid, physical tackler who's better moving forward than backward (just 5 INTs in 4 years).
John Johnson, Boston College 6-0.4 208 4.61
Not a thumper but stands out in coverage, from the slot and as a single-high S.
Under "Ht." the number following the period refers to eighths of an inch.
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