National Football League

5 NFL teams that should draft Jabrill Peppers

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Jabrill Peppers is a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, which will be presented on Saturday. Here are five teams who should draft him next April.

Back in high school, Jabrill Peppers was an incredible football and track star in the state of New Jersey. The East Orange native helped lead two dominant New Jersey parochial schools to state championships, cementing his place as one of the best recruits in the nation. When it came time to pick a school, Peppers choose the University of Michigan, and both he and the program could not have been happier with the results.

After having to redshirt after an injury during his true freshman season, Peppers burst on the scene the next season. Peppers was a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award, which is given to college football’s most versatile player, Peppers starred for the Wolverines on offense, defense and special teams. Peppers would be named first team All-Big Ten for his efforts in his first full season with Michigan, setting the stage for another incredible season in 2016.

In 2016, Peppers actually won the Hornung Award, finishing the year as one of the most electric players in the nation. The redshirt sophomore won three individual Big Ten awards as well, becoming the first player in conference history to do so. Peppers was once again named a first-team All-Big Ten honoree, as he helped lead his Wolverines to the Orange Bowl. On Saturday, Peppers will be one of the five finalists for the Heisman Trophy, a perfect capper to an incredible collegiate career.

While he has not declared yet, Peppers is likely to enter next April’s NFL Draft and these five teams would make a great fit for the incredible talent out of Michigan.

Dec 4, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton against the Detroit Lions during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Lions defeated the Saints 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

5. New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints have one of the most explosive offenses in football, as Drew Brees continues to prove that he can sling the ball all over the field. The issue for the team has not been putting points on the board, but it has kept other teams out of the end zone. The Saints are likely to be picking in the top-10 next April, and while Peppers may not be available where they pick, he would be a steal for them if they can move up to get him.

New Orleans is lacking an identity on defense, and more specifically, a star player on that side of the ball. The team needs help in the secondary, as they have struggled this season keeping guys like Matthew Stafford and Matt Ryan at bay.

Peppers is the most versatile player in college football, and the Saints need someone who is going to fill multiple roles on their defense. The Saints have also long been known for having a great return game, which Peppers could also help out in as well. Saints fans are some of the best in the game, and Peppers would certainly be a fan favorite due to his production all over the field.

Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers free safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports.

4. San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are an embarrassment, and it seems like they get worse every week. This past weekend, they were blasted by a terrible Chicago Bears team, as their defense allowed three touchdowns to Bears rookie running back Jordan Howard. The 49ers defense is a laughingstock, and for how bad their offense is, their defense just may be worse.

Next April, the 49ers will definitely be picking in the top three, as they have won only one game so far this season. While some believe they may look to draft a quarterback, there really is not the sure-fire franchise guy in this draft class. San Francisco needs to bolster their defense, and this draft class has some elite prospects in it that will make a huge impact next season.

At 0-12, the Cleveland Browns are slated to pick first, and they will likely go with either Jonathan Allen or Myles Garrett if they pass on a quarterback. Peppers is the third best defensive prospect in this draft, though his impact may be bigger than any other prospect in the class.

Peppers has the kind of star quality that’s been missing in San Francisco since Terrell Owens left. If the 49ers do decide to pick him early in round one, they would be getting a player that could be a difference maker in a division that has recently been owned by the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks. The 49ers need to have a big offseason if they want to get back into contention, and a versatile player like Peppers would be a nice jumping off point.

Dec 4, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86)runs against Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 32-14. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

3. Cincinnati Bengals

It has been quite a disappointing season for the Cincinnati Bengals, who came into the year as the favorite to win the AFC North. As it stands now, they will be picking in the top-10 next April, meaning they should be able to pick up a solid player. The Bengals should be right back in the mix for the playoffs next season, so this rough season could actually end up being a blessing in disguise.

Peppers would be a solid fit with the Bengals for many reasons. For one, the Bengals secondary is getting up there in age, and they have gotten very bad play from their safeties. If Peppers does play the safety position at the NFL level, he would instantly upgrade their depth chart back there.

Head coach Marvin Jones needs to inject some youth on his defense, and this draft class is filled with quality defensive players. The Bengals would have to finish poorly to draft high enough to grab Peppers, but you never know what can happen on draft day.

Adam “Pacman” Jones is one of the better return men in the game but is getting up there in age. Peppers could easily supplant Jones as the team’s next big returner, as they try to keep their special teams play as an advantage over the rest of the division.

Oct 18, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars fan hold up a defense sign in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at EverBank Field. The Houston Texans won 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jacksonville Jaguars

This was supposed to be the year the Jacksonville Jaguars took the next step and became a contender in the AFC. Seemingly set on the offensive side of the ball, the Jags went out and drafted Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack, hoping to rise to the top of the AFC South. That hasn’t happened, and they currently are slated to pick in the top five.

Quarterback Blake Bortles has definitely taken a step back this season, and the combination at running back of T.J. Yeldon and Chris Ivory has not worked out. Allen Robinson’s production is down at the wide receiver position, and Julius Thomas has been a waste of money at tight end. Still, the organization is going to give them another year to get it together, so expect them to go defense early in the first round.

For all the swings and misses this offseason bringing in guys like Malik Jackson and Prince Amukamara, the Jaguars can seriously upgrade the unit with a player like Peppers. The team is still very young on that side of the ball, and there is still hope that they will figure it out next season. Dante Fowler Jr., Ramsey and Jack present a strong young nucleus and adding Peppers to the depth chart could make the Jags a force on defense next season.

The AFC South is very winnable, and the Jaguars do have good young talent on their roster. Peppers would be a game-changer for the organization, as he could be used in all three facets of the game. He could easily step in and start at safety, and if the team gets growth from some of the names mentioned earlier, they could challenge for a division title in 2017.

Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) carries the ball against the New York Jets defense during the first quarter of a game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

1. New York Jets

When it comes to the state of New Jersey, high school football is king. In Bergen County, New Jersey, Don Bosco Prep is the cream of the crop, producing some of the best players in the state every year. Peppers was a star for the Ironmen during the first half of his high school career, before heading to another New Jersey parochial school, Paramus Catholic, and finishing up.

At both schools, Peppers won state championships, establishing himself as one of the biggest recruits in the country. Next April, Peppers may have the opportunity to return to his roots, as the New York Jets will pick in the top five. The Jets need a lot of help on both sides of the ball, but imagine the cheers Peppers would get on draft night if his hometown team brings him back to the state where he once dominated as a prep player.

That could be a best case scenario for both the Jets, and Peppers, as he would fill holes on the roster that are pretty glaring right now. The defense was supposed to lead this team back to the playoffs, but they have looked old, and undisciplined this season. Head coach Todd Bowles is a defensive guru, but with how his defense has played this season, he just may be out after the 2016 campaign comes to an end.

The Jets are going to turn to Bryce Petty at quarterback for the rest of the season, and are likely to avoid picking a QB for the third straight draft. Peppers may not be available if the Jets pick fourth or fifth, but he would be an instant fan favorite if the team does bring him on. New York needs a makeover, and Peppers is a local kid who would make a huge impact for the organization and the city.