There are many NCAA schools riddled with NFL talent on their rosters. Each player has the sparkle in his eye and the hope of hearing his name called in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 27th. The reality is, not everyone can be selected during the 2017 NFL draft. Today, I break down the NFL talent from the University of Michigan.
The Michigan Wolverines
The Wolverines have nineteen prospects that have a chance to hear their name called during the 2017 NFL draft. Let’s take a more in-depth look at each player.
Taco Charlton – DE
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 277 lbs.
Taco Charlton has the rare combination of build, athleticism, and length. While other collegiate pass rushers outperformed him statistically during the regular season, scouts are falling in love with Charlton’s potential as a pro. Last season, he led the Wolverines in sacks (10) and tackles for loss (13.5).
Here are Taco Charlton’s advanced statistics according to Pro Football Focus.
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Michigan edge Taco Charlton’s advanced statshttps://t.co/q3VbZrPIQR pic.twitter.com/3iaRISnYb0
— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) March 24, 2017
Silence the outside noise ? #TacoTuesday pic.twitter.com/P6pV8RJ6Em
— Taco Charlton (@TheSupremeTaco) March 7, 2017
Taco Charlton described his ability to the media at the NFL combine saying,
“I’m versatile, I play a little bit of every position, I play inside, outside, I play heavy, I play light, I play a little bit of everything. My arsenal’s pretty wide. I can stab, I can bull, I can spin, I can speed rush. The arsenal I have and the combination of positions I’ve played — three-tech, four-tech, five-tech, weak-side end. All of those things add up to separate me a little bit. The best thing about my game is probably my pass-rushing ability. I want to be unstoppable. I’m somebody who won’t stop until I feel like I’m one of the best out there.”
Connor Rogers of Bleacher Report has fallen in love with Charlton’s size, length, and dip/bend since watching his tape.
Even more impressed with Taco Charlton’s dip/bend after measuring 6’5 5/8 & 277 lbs, that’s a big EDGE: pic.twitter.com/SKl0MMXsrJ
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) March 5, 2017
Taco Charlton has great size and length at 6’5 270. Here he beats the pulling center to get to the QB. pic.twitter.com/I22xLm4OMQ
— RealBucsTalk (@RealBucsTalk) March 2, 2017
One AFC Executive told NFL.com,
“Really, really talented player. You won’t always see it on every play so that is going to be a coach’s job to get that out of him. Rushers with his size and athleticism are hard to find and they usually go very early in the draft.”
Look for Taco Charlton to hear his name called in the middle of the 1st round by the Philadelphia Eagles (14th overall). Schematically, he would fit their 4-3 defense perfectly. He would make a great addition to this Eagle’s defensive front that already consists of Fletcher Cox and Chris Long.
Player comparison: Chandler Jones
Jabrill Peppers – SS/KR/PR
Height: 5’11″
Weight: 213 lbs.
Last season, Jabrill Peppers earned the 2016 Lott Impact Trophy award which is handed out to the nation’s best defender. His athleticism and versatility will not be ignored by General Managers on draft night. In the NFL, I see Peppers playing a safety/hybrid role as well as returning both punts and kickoffs.
Jabrill Peppers is such a fluid and electrifying athlete @JabrillPeppers @UMichFootball #DraftTwitter #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/23TAk9CHM1
— Bradley Ylitalo (@NFL_drafthub) April 3, 2017
Uninterrupted recently published a video of one of the most polarizing players in college football and how he aims to put on a show at the next level. Check it out.
Mike Mayock, another expert on the NFL draft, gives his thoughts about Jabrill Peppers and his potential in the NFL.
“I believe @JabrillPeppers is a top 10 pick.” https://t.co/12oz8Sp4br
— NFL (@NFL) March 26, 2017
If there is any confusion about the direction NFL teams have for Jabrill Peppers, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com provides clarity with how teams view Peppers.
“The ultimate Swiss Army Knife on the collegiate level, and will likely play a hybrid role on the next level that allows him to blitz, cover and chase, Peppers’ draft value will be helped by his return ability and that is a role he should maintain throughout the earlier stages of his career. While Peppers doesn’t have the production teams expect from first-round defenders, he should benefit from a role that is more clearly defined on the next level.”
Once Peppers has a more defined role, he can better concentrate on his preparation and therefore increase his production. Look for Peppers to be selected late in the 1st round by the Dallas Cowboys (28th overall). The Cowboys lost Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox in the offseason. Peppers brings a lot to the table and would be a nice addition to that Cowboy secondary.
Player Comparison: Patrick Chung that returns punts/kicks
The Other Wolverines
Amarah Darboh (WR) – Mid 3rd round (83rd overall) – Tennessee Titans
Chris Wormley (DT) – Mid 3rd round (87th overall) – New York Giants
Jourdan Lewis (CB) – Late 3rd round (98th overall) – Carolina Panthers
Jake Butt (TE) – Early 4th round (109th overall) – San Francisco 49ers
Jehu Chesson (WR) – Mid 4th round (131st overall) – Houston Texans
Ryan Glasgow (DT) – Mid 4th round (134th overall) – Green Bay Packers
Erik Magnuson (OT) – Late 4th round (141st overall) –Los Angeles Rams
Ben Gedeon (ILB) – Late 4th round (142nd overall) – Cleveland Browns
Ben Braden (OG) – Early 5th round (153rd overall) – Cincinnati Bengals
Delano Hill (FS) – Late 5th round (177th overall) – Denver Broncos
De’Veon Smith (RB) – Early 6th round (187th overall) – Jacksonville Jaguars
Channing Stribling (CB) – Mid 6th round (200th overall) – Indianapolis Colts
Jeremy Clark (CB) – Late 6th round (218th overall) – Kansas City Chiefs
Kenny Allen (P) – Undrafted
Dymonte Thomas (SS) – Undrafted
Kyle Kalis (OG) – Undrafted
Matthew Godin (DT) – Undrafted
