Cleveland Browns sign first round pick Jabrill Peppers

By George Stockburger | Jul 23, 2017

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 06: Defensive back Jabrill Peppers of Michigan participates in a drill during day six of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 6, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Multiple media outlets are reporting the hybrid defender finally has a deal

The Cleveland Browns have come to terms with the last of their three first round picks, Jabrill Peppers, on a rookie contract.

Peppers was one of four first round picks still negotiating their rookie contracts, leaving San Francisco’s Solomon Thomas, Tennessee’s Corey Davis, and Oakland’s Gareon Conley.

Browns rookies reported to training camp on Sunday, which could explain why Peppers is coming to terms this evening. The team will have an opportunity to see their prized defender in pads alongside number one overall pick Myles Garrett on defense and tight end David Njoku blazing up the seam on offense.

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Peppers will likely maneuver between linebacker and safety as a rookie, similar to how Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh used the athletic playmaker last season.

Calvin Pryor and Ed Reynolds are currently projected to start at safety for Cleveland, making them early candidates to be the worst tandem in football. Peppers is athletic enough to play either position, though Pryor as a former top pick could get an early opportunity to keep the strong safety job.

Jamie Collins will lead the Browns linebackers with younglings Christian Kirksey, Joe Schobert, Dominique Alexander, and Nate Orchard rotating in the 3-4 formation.

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Peppers will ultimately be a boom or bust player in the NFL based on his ball skills, athleticism, a knack for making plays, and versatility on the field. He’ll get every opportunity to perform in Cleveland, which has struggled to produce top-level first round talent in recent years.