Oakland Raiders: Possible First Round Draft Targets After Free Agency

Jabrill Peppers (LB/CB/S/?)

Jabrill Peppers is one of the more intriguing prospects in this year’s Draft. Intriguing in that he can play a variety of positions and fill a number of different roles. Coincidentally, he can fill a lot of roles that the Raiders just so happen to need filled.

Over his career at Michigan, Peppers has played linebacker, cornerback, safety, probably even waterboy. And though everybody seems high on him and excited by his potential, not a lot of people seem to know what to do with him at the next level exactly.

What makes him a possibility at 24 though, is his incredible athleticism and versatility. Though not all NFL scouts seem to be as excited by Peppers as others do. Said one anonymous scout:

"“You’re going to draft a safety with a lucky interception in the top 10? We get fired for mistakes like that.”"

Now, it’s possible that this scout is downplaying Peppers in the hopes that his team can land him. That happens all the time in the run-up to the Draft. But the overwhelming issue some seem totake with Peppers is that he doesn’t have a true position. He’s moved around so much, it has in essence, devalued him just a little bit.

But that’s where he could fit in well with the Raiders – Oakland needs a strong interior linebacker. Peppers has shown the ability to play that role. And in that role, he would have superior coverage skills than most of the players who’ve shuffled through the position for the Raiders for a few years now.

Peppers has also been terrific against the run, is a fearless hitter, and has the quickness to get into the backfield to drag down a ballcarrier or the quarterback.

Peppers can do a little bit of everything, and do it pretty well. If he’s there at 24, the Raiders should give him some strong consideration.