If there is one thing that can be said about Jabrill Peppers during his time at Michigan, it is that he was among the most versatile players on the field every time he stepped on the field. It appears that versatility will be put to use in Cleveland as the Browns are already thinking about using their newly-drafted player on offense.
“He is a football player, a very dynamic player,” Jackson said, via the Detroit Free Press. “Obviously, he’s going to play defense for us, but we’ll find a role for him over there on offense. No question. … Again, when you have guys that have the ability to make plays, you do anything and everything you can to put them in an environment so they can showcase their talent and ability. We will do that, but first we are bringing him in here to play defense and play special teams.”
Peppers was drafted No. 25 overall as a safety, but has played multiple positions over the last few years including linebacker, wildcat quarterback and special teams returner. Naturally, that kind of flexibility has made Peppers an interesting prospect coming into the league, although it remains unknown just what his identity will be in the NFL.
Without even putting on the practice pads, it is becoming clear Peppers will be inserted all across the field in an attempt to find what works best at the next level.
“Line him up in a lot of different places and give him that opportunity,” Jackson said.
Maybe it will work out for the Browns, although this is the Browns we are talking about. It is not often you draft a player in the first round of the NFL Draft and are left wondering how he will be best utilized on the roster. Peppers is that rare breed who allows a team to feel comfortable taking a shot in the first round with a player with an undetermined role coming in.
Jim Harbaugh didn’t shy away from using Peppers in as many ways as possible, and he did provide some sparks on special teams and offense at times. He will likely be used in a wildcat scheme when on offense, because that may be his best offering to the Browns offense. His more common role will still be on defense in the secondary, so long as he can prove to keep up and cover receivers in the NFL.
Maybe some year Peppers will have one and only role on a team. Until that time comes, he is quite the experimental player to work with.
