With The First Pick
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The Hybrid: The NFL’s New approach, to an old school use of players

By Jedidiah Bicker

Nov 5, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) runs the ball in the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) runs the ball in the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The last couple of seasons teams have changed the way they look at players, utilizing athleticism over position knowledge and bringing the NFL to a new level. 

One of the biggest questions in last years draft was where does All-American Jabrill Peppers land in this draft. Peppers was a force in Michigan’s try at a Big 10 title last season. Peppers was also a Heisman finalist, an honer defensive players almost never enjoy. Jabrill dominated on defense, offense and in the return game. Many analyst joked that peppers might have been the best running back in the draft. The position he was used most at in Michigan was linebacker.

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So where does an undersized linebacker end up in the NFL? Most would say  safety, however many felt like peppers needed a little work at the position. Without much time there, teams didn’t have enough to evaluate him for a high pick. The Cleveland Browns felt differently. Picking Peppers at 25 overall cemented there approach, taking the best athletes and letting their coaches sort them out.

In the off-season The Browns hired Greg Williams, a coach that revived Mark Barron’s career in LA. Letting him play linebacker in base packages and move to nickle in sub-package defense, allowed Barron to get out of the center field role, where he struggled and move to more of a thumper role where he flourished.

I recently herd Williams say in an interview that he doesn’t care about the next man up philosophy, he has his own way of thinking, best player up. He said he really wasn’t concerned about a players ability to understand a position, he just cared how good of a football player they were. Peppers fits that mold perfectly.

Another player that fits the mold is Christian McCaffrey. Christian is what some would consider a little undersized to be a every down, up the middle type back. McCaffrey has better than average strength, speed and his balance is off the charts. His vision is Elite and he hits holes with a quickness like many haven’t seen in years.

Early in the draft process most draft analyst had McCaffrey going in the late first, early second round. As teams started realizing what a weapon he is, they fell in love with the kid. The old rhetoric that you needed to be able to pound the rock to go high as a back, went out the door when teams realized the versatility McCaffrey brought.

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A four down back, one that could not only run up the middle, but also run routes as a receiver, block and return kicks. McCaffrey gives Carolina the Type of weapon that can get them over the hump. Christians ability to execute bubble screens and catches in the flat, gives Cam Newton, unlimited options.

This approach to player evaluation may seem new, but its actually a throw back to the old days of football. I herd an interview with legendary coach Frank Broyles from Arkansas about recruitment. Broyles stated they he recruited the quarterback from every top school in the state. When asked why he said because the quarterback is always the best player, ill figure out where to put them from there.

Teams new approach of taking the best athletes and putting them in a position to succeed may not be a new approach but it has been somewhat lost over the years. With players like Peppers and McCaffrey starting to move to the front, I am excited to see where the game goes from here.

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