Where does Peppers fit best in the NFL (team/scheme wise)?
I realize there was a thread about where Peppers fit position wise, actually it was more about who he most resembles in the NFL in terms of skillset.
I, like many of you, watch an insane amount of college football on Saturday.. With that said, I usually don't have much left in tank for NFL Sunday, I watch, but I don't follow nearly as closely.
For those of you that do, what teams run a defense that would best fit Peppers?
I suppose you first have to decide his position. IMO, he's not going to be a CB in the NFL if he's not one in college, we've seen him in coverage and it's not terrible, but it's not NFL calibur either. I personally don't think he's big enough to hold up as a LB for a long-term NFL career. I think he's capable of playing as a deep safety, but it seems like a waste of his talent having him 15+ yards down field every snap. I'm sure he could do it, but you need the Ed Reed/Sean Taylor range if you're going to be dominant and play that deep safety spot. So that leaves the "in the box"/physical type safety that is disappearing from some defenses. Maybe hybrid LB/Nickel behind a huge DL?
I've always thought his defensive playing style was similar to Troy Polamalu, so I assumed the Steelers would be a good fit, but I truly have no idea.
Obviously any team would love to have him, but where would he fit best (when it comes to scheme, not your favorite team) to reach his Hall of Fame level potential?
EDIT: Or...do you just flat out think he fits better on offense if the goal is to reach the HOF?
October 20th, 2016 at 1:39 PM ^
It's not at all safe to say he gone. I know from a close birdy he has strong feelings for and reasons to stay, but he is torn and not going to decide yet, and is focused on the season.
October 20th, 2016 at 11:17 AM ^
Nickel. The same way the Packers used Woodson.
October 20th, 2016 at 1:19 PM ^
Good comparison.
October 20th, 2016 at 12:41 PM ^
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October 20th, 2016 at 1:16 PM ^
A lot of mocks have him at 3 to the Chargers, which would work well. Chargers safeties are shit. He could slot into the role Eric Weddle vacated this year, maybe with a bit more in the box play akin to Mateiu in Arizona. Selfishly, I would like to see this happen so I can easily watch Peppers play every week. Unfortunately, the coaching staff, management, and general team situation is so toxic here right now, I wouldn't wish coming to the Chargers on any player I like.
October 20th, 2016 at 1:21 PM ^
Pepp seems to be a perfect fit for what most NFL defenses are trying to do right now. The hybrid safety, LB, nickle will be his role. Playing in Donnie Brown's defense will prep him for the NFL style.
He could also be a 3 down RB in the NFL as well. Heck, he could be a top 4 RB in the league with his talent and athletic ability.
He is certain to be a Top 10 pick. Great player.
October 20th, 2016 at 3:52 PM ^
they're looking at him at both LB and in the box SS. Peppers success in the NFL would depend on the DC who has to be creative in utilizing him to fully realize his potential. He's a hybrid space player on defense who can defend against the ever growing spread offense with 3 WRs or RBs who can catch out of the backfield.
As of now, they have him at top 15 grade which is the highest possible grade from the scouts. They mentioned that he's what Myles Jack that team project him to be because Peppers actually does a lot more LB stuff than Myles Jack when he was at UCLA. The only reason why Myles Jack dropped to 2nd round is he got a big time medical red flag on his knee at the combine.