NFL Notes: Jabrill Peppers, Jimmy Garoppolo, Browns, Jaguars

February 21, 2017

Jabrill Peppers

An NFL Executive tells Bucky Brooks he view Michigan S Jabrill Peppers as a “bigger, more explosive version of Tyrann Mathieu.”

However, others are concerned about him as a defensive prospect and think he could actually be a better offensive weapon in the NFL.

“I think he is a better offensive player than defensive prospect,” an AFC college scouting director tells Brooks. “I’m concerned about the lack of interceptions and his lack of physicality. He is more of a run-and-chase defender to me. He might have a chance as a 4-3 (weakside) linebacker but I believe he might be better with the ball in his hands.”

Brooks compares Peppers to Ravens veteran S Eric Weddle and lists the Patriots, Jaguars, Ravens, Chiefs, and Titans as ideal fits for him.

Jimmy Garoppolo

According to Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns will try to trade for Patriots backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo.
Cabot believes a deal is going to require the No. 12 overall pick and possibly more to convince the Patriots to trade Garoppolo this offseason.
Sources tell Cabot that multiple teams will be interested in Garoppolo including the 49ers and Bears and the Patriots might be able to start a bidding war for him.
Cabot says that most sources she has spoken to don’t see any of these teams parting with a top-three pick for Garoppolo, but she admits stranger things have happened.

Browns

Mary Kay Cabot writes that the Browns will have to consider other options at quarterback if the Patriots wait until the draft to trade QB Jimmy Garoppolo.
Cabot mentions Tyrod Taylor as someone who could make sense for Cleveland, especially now that they’ve hired former Bills QB coach David Lee.
Other options for the Browns could include trading for Bengals backup A.J. McCarron, who worked previously with Hue Jackson, or sign a free agent such as Mike Glennon.
Cabot expects Jackson to make a serious attempt to acquire Garoppolo and possibly even draft a quarterback too.

Jaguars

Mike DiRocco of ESPN writes that while veteran DE Jared Odrick wasn’t a problem in the locker room for the Jaguars, he has some of nontraditional ideas about training, nutrition and recovery along with his non-football interests “caused some minor friction” in the building.
DiRocco points out that Tom Coughlin doesn’t handle “minor friction” well and he’s non-negotiable, which may have led to the two clashing at some point.
Jacksonville is expected to move forward with more of a traditional 4-3 defense and stop utilizing a big defensive end.