Polarizing NFL Prospects
There are a number of NFL prospects who have seen their "stock" fluctuate dramatically. Why? Who knows, but the evaluations of these prospects from club to club have great variance. For instance, one team might view, say former USC wide-out Juju Smith-Schuster, as a solid second-rounder, while another might not even think about taking him until the fourth or even fifth round. The thing to remember is that it only takes one team to fall in love with a prospect. They don't need to be universally adored, they just need one team to call their name. With that said, here are five prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft who face the most uncertainty in not only where they are selected, but how their games translate to the next level.
Jabrill Peppers, Safety/Linebacker, Michigan ...... Peppers is an athletic freak. He returned kicks and punts for Jim Harbaugh and also found himself running the wildcat in addition to his status as a hard-hitting defensive weapon. I call him that because his position, or lack thereof, is what NFL teams are worried about. He is too small to be a linebacker, but too slow to be a safety. I think this commentary is ludicrous, but it might be the reason Peppers, despite his college production falls come Thursday's draft. I think he could really thrive in a defense such as Dallas'. If he is there when the Cowboys pick at 28, I would be surprised if they don't snag him.
Dalvin Cook, Running Back, Florida State ...... Cook's talent is undeniable. It's his character that has raised some red flags. He has a checkered history with the law and that might keep some teams from taking him. Despite his history, his talent is evident. He could have a similar impact as a rookie as Ezekiel Elliot did for the Cowboys. He will fall, but I do not see him falling out of the first round. I could see the Buccaneers taking him at 19 or worst case scenario he falls to the Raiders at 24 who desperately need a running back, whether or not they come to a resolution with Marshawn Lynch. (I also think Joe Mixon is also in play here for the Raiders if Cook is off of the board, which is fascinating considering all of the controversy that would surround his selection.)
Budda Baker, Safety, Washington ..... Similarly to Peppers, Baker is undersized for the safety position. At only 195 pounds, some teams will certainly be scared off that he is not as physically imposing as your typical NFL safety - say Kam Chancellor. When I saw Washington play this season Baker was all over the field making plays. 195 pounds or not, this dude is a playmaker. I think he will fall to somewhere in the mid-second round, but he will be a steal. Baltimore and Cleveland make the most sense for Baker, so look for him to go somewhere in between picks 47 and 52 overall.
Cam Robinson, Offensive Tackle, Alabama ..... Earlier this season, Robinson was a consensus top-five pick. Then, as it happens each year, he didn't test so well at the combine. Now it appears as though he will not come off of the board until the mid-to-late first-round. What should be valued more: three years of utter domination against SEC opponents or three days of testing in compression shorts? Seems pretty obvious to me. But despite that, Robinson will fall. Likely landing spots for the All American: Broncos at 20 or Giants at 23.
Dede Westrbook, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma ...... Think Tyler Lockette. Westbrook is made in the same mold as the Seahawks' playmaker. The former Sooner will return kicks and be a threat in the passing game. He isn't viewed as much more than a fifth-round talent, but ask the Seahawks how valuable Lockette has been to them. I guarantee that they will tell you he's worth way more than just a fifth-round pick. Westbrook would be a great pick-up for Drew Brees and the Saints. He would add another vertical threat to an already potent offensive scheme.
