MC5-95

January 13th, 2016 at 11:28 AM ^

I know that's what he's said publicly, but I think a surefire first round NFL draft pick whose first two college seasons haven't been completed due to injuries will highly consider leaving before his final year of eligibility. But we will see.

superstringer

January 13th, 2016 at 12:11 PM ^

To build viewer ratings for Thursday night games:  He should play EVERY thursday.  He will be the first player in NFL history not contracted to a team, but to a day of the week.  Every Thursday night, Peppers will show up to play for whichever team he wants, and whatever position he wants -- DB, LB, QB, RB, WR, PK, P, whatever.  IT's like, he watches from the sidelines, and runs in and replaces players on either team as he sees fit, play to play even, team to team.  And calls his own plays.

Awesome idea!

They'll need to move the Super Bowl to Thursday nights too, as a result.

UM Fan from Sydney

January 13th, 2016 at 11:58 AM ^

Yes, he will. We all know that he said he won't leave Michigan without a degree, which is great, but he will likely graduate in three or three-and-a-half years. That guy was great last season and will only get better this coming season. He will be a top-ten draft pick for sure.

All that said, I really hope he uses all of his years of eligibility. I'd be happy to eat crow if he does so.

Tater

January 13th, 2016 at 3:38 PM ^

Considering the "profesisonal sports" segment of today's economy, Peppers pretty much has to leave if he is a guaranteed first round pick.  

If he is projected as a high first round pick, Harbaugh will tell him not to leave that much money on the table.  And that honesty is one of the reasons Harbaugh has so much credibility among recruits.

In other words, we get one more year to enjoy Jabrill.  I hope it ends in a Heisman and a National Championship.

Tater

January 13th, 2016 at 3:39 PM ^

In this era, there is no "tarnish" when a player leaves early.  More fans are cognizant of the economic realities of both "amateur" and professional sports.  Everyone will understand if he is a high first round pick and leaves.  Everyone who matters, anyway...

DrMantisToboggan

January 13th, 2016 at 11:46 AM ^

Oh I wasn't saying he won't be ready. He'd go in the first 3 rounds this year if he were eligible. He's plenty good enough already.

 

He just values his degree an incredible amount. He wants to leave with it. Now if he graduates in December of 16 or May of 17 he might go, but if not he will be in a Michigan uniform for the 17-18 season

bluebyyou

January 13th, 2016 at 12:22 PM ^

In the NFL, as I understand things, there is way less teaching of fundsmentals than in college.

Question for you Mgobloggers.  It seems to me that the great defensive backs have long careers and can make a lot of money.  Champ Bailey, Woodson, Deion Sanders, etc etc.

Looking at Peppers and if given a choice, why would he want to play both O and D and run the risk of injury instead of putting all his energy and effort into defense, particularly with his height and weight being what they are and the physical abuse that comes from being a running back?

 

TheFugitive

January 13th, 2016 at 11:14 AM ^

If we can get another primarily defensive player to win the Heisman, I don't see another school ever catching us in the regard.  1, maybe. 2? Not gonna be able to do it.

 

 

gwkrlghl

January 13th, 2016 at 11:29 AM ^

He's going to need to get some big takeaways on defense to be seriously considered. Like a strip-and-score or a pick-6 that really gets national attention. Otherwise it will continue to be the QB/RB on some top 10 team

gwkrlghl

January 13th, 2016 at 11:45 AM ^

He's really going to have to amass a highlight reel. Doing the occaision WR sweep TDs on offense won't be enough. Probably would need a some takeaways, a few defensive TDs, some ST TDs and obviously some offensive TDs.

Michigan being top 10 caliber will help a lot, so he'll have chances to make #SCTop10 plays in several huge games

Bo Schemheckler

January 13th, 2016 at 11:43 AM ^

I think his best chance is to obvious play great D, get some turnovers and then score a variety of different TD's. Couple special teams, couple rushing, receiving and if possible 1 throwing. Jack of all trades type thing will help. The biggest thing that will help is Michigan competing for the national title