With The First Pick
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2017 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Defense

By Jon Dove

Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) tackles Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) tackles Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 19, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Zander Diamont (12) is sacked by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Zander Diamont (12) is sacked by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety

1. Jabrill Peppers, Michigan

2. Jamal Adams, LSU

3. Malik Hooker, Ohio State

4. Eddie Jackson, Alabama

5. Marcus Maye, Florida

Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers is a highly-touted player who routinely makes game-changing plays. He’s the definition of a hybrid player who has experience playing safety, linebacker, running back and returning kicks.

The issue is that it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where he fits in the NFL. It’s going to take a very creative defensive coordinator to maximize his skills. However, Peppers is that rare talent that’s nearly impossible to pass on.

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Jamal Adams isn’t far behind Peppers as a prospect. He is an in-the-box safety who excels at supporting the run. This is a big-hitter who quickly closes on the ball and covers a ton of ground. He’s a tone setter who makes plays all over the field.

Adams also does a solid job in coverage and has the range needed to play some centerfield.

Malik Hooker is a redshirt Sophomore who could use another year of seasoning. However, he has enough raw talent to be a 1st round pick in this year’s draft. It’ll be interesting to see if he decides to leave early.

Eddie Jackson is an experience veteran whose draft stock will drop a little because of an injury during the season. However, he is still a starter in the NFL and should make a quick transition.

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