2017 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterback Plunge Alters Entire Board
By Erik Lambert
![Sep 24, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) during the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports Sep 24, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) during the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/7321deff281f72784494666b795d1a8bca5e3fa1f7a59f438395fc4fb048ef60.jpg)
32. New England Patriots
player. 47. The Patriots have a long history of making head-scratching picks that somewhat defy common NFL draft etiquette. The reason being that they’re searching for players who aren’t necessarily great at one thing but good at several things. They find more value in such types like a Julian Edelman or a Rob Ninkovich. Bill Belichick has always felt he can apply such players far more effectively for the good of the team. <p>That is why Jabrill Peppers is such a Patriots pick. On the surface it looks like a reach. A safety who wasn’t overly productive in coverage at Michigan. Yet he was an excellent return man who played quality snaps at running back and showed lots of promise as a blitzer and tackler. He might be one of the best athletes in the class as well. There are a number of positions he can play, and that is exactly what New England will want him to do.</p>. S. Michigan. Jabrill Peppers . 32