Jabrill Peppers did not see his NFL career start off the way he foresaw it going with the Cleveland Browns. Seven years after being selected by the team in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Heisman Trophy contender expressed his discontent with the team’s use of his talent on X/Twitter.
Now a member of the New England Patriots, Peppers spent the first two seasons of his career with the Browns before being traded to the New York Giants in 2019 as a part of the deal involving Odell Beckham Jr.
Former Cleveland Browns First-Round Draft Pick Jabrill Peppers Criticizes Team on Social Media
Jabrill Peppers has carved out a solid role in the NFL as a starting safety, but his career did not begin as well as some had hoped after being selected by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Though he is no longer with Cleveland, Peppers reflected on his time with the team on May 18, sharing his thoughts on social media. With a cryptic message, the 28-year-old quote-tweeted a fan post with an eye-opening birds-eye view showing Peppers lining up 29 yards behind the line of scrimmage.
“My bro just sent me this and I need someone to help me understand,” Peppers tweeted. “How can you watch my college film and draft me just to keep me 30 yards away from the line of scrimmage all game lol s*** was really crazy.”
Despite being a first-round pick following a stellar collegiate career, Peppers was overshadowed early in his Browns tenure due to being one of three picks made by Cleveland on day one of the 2017 NFL Draft. Along with No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett, Peppers joined tight end David Njoku as the three selections made by the team in the opening round.
Julius Peppers’s Time In Cleveland
Peppers’ time in Cleveland was less than remarkable, but after a disappointing rookie season, the electric safety increased his production in his second year. His athleticism and flashes of greatness were enough to intrigue Dave Gettleman and the New York Giants to include him as a key part of the trade that sent Odell Beckham Jr. to the Browns.
Through two years with the team, Peppers accrued 129 total tackles, one sack, eight passes defended, and two interceptions. The former Michigan Wolverine was also used as a kick and punt returner, compiling 726 kick return yards and 399 yards off punts.
Career in New York and New England
After relocating to New York, Jabrill Peppers increased his production over the next two and a half seasons with 185 total tackles, 3,5 sacks, 17 passes defended, two interceptions, four forced fumbles, and a touchdown. His energy, leadership, and status as starting safety led him to eventually become a team captain.
After his third season with the team — one that ended after just six games due to injury — the Giants let Peppers walk in free agency due to their acquisition of Xavier McKinney.
In the 2022 offseason, Peppers signed a one-year deal with New England. Despite opening the year low on the depth chart with concerns of his injured ankle, Peppers would eventually become the Patriots’ starting safety. The following offseason, he signed a two-year extension to remain with the team and is projected to be a starter entering the 2024 season.
About the Author
Jaren Kawada is a freelance sports writer from Indianapolis, Indiana with a strong passion for MMA and sports betting. Kawada has also written for Sportskeeda MMA, FanSided MMA, and BetSided as a combat sports analyst.
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