The New England Patriots did not do much to their defense this offseason. They largely didn't need too, as most of the personnel and coaching staff return from a unit that ranked ninth in DVOA last year.
Part of the unit includes safety Jabrill Peppers, who posted one of the best season’s of his NFL career in his second year with the team last season.
Hard facts
Name: Jabrill Peppers
Position: SAF
Opening day age: 28
Size: 5’11”, 217 lbs
Jersey number: 5
Contract status: Signed through 2024 (2025 UFA)
Experience
A successful high school football career in New Jersey resulted in Peppers leading the University of Michigan’s recruiting class, as ESPN ranked him as the second-best recruit in the entire class of 2014.
After suffering in injury early in his freshman season with the Wolverines and redshirting, Peppers returned to action in 2015. He quickly put his name on the map as he became one of the most versatile players in college football en route to earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors as he was and named to the All-Big Ten defensive first-team and the All-Big Ten special teams second-team by coaches.
The success continued the following season as Peppers was an unanimous All-American as he won Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Linebacker of the Year and Return Specialist of the Year. His versatility (in which he logged snaps at 15 different positions) led him to winning the Paul Hornung Award, honoring the nation’s most versatile college football player, and finishing fifth in voting for the Heisman Trophy.
Entering the NFL Draft, Peppers went 25th overall to the Cleveland Browns where he appeared in 29 games over his first two seasons. However, the versatile defensive back was not used to the best of his abilities throughout his tenure which led to him being traded to the Giants in 2019 as part of the package for Odell Beckham Jr.
In New York, Peppers dealt with injuries as a transverse process fracture prematurely ended his season early. After then playing in 15 games in 2020 — where he set career highs in pass deflections (11), sacks (2.5) and tackles (91) — a torn ACL the following season shut Peppers down after just six games.
Hitting free agency following the injury, Peppers signed a one-year deal with New England. Despite easing his way back from injury, he appeared in all 17 games and impressed to the point where he was re-signed in the offseason on a two-year deal.
2023 review
Stats: 15 games (15 starts) | 955 defensive snaps (96 %), 89 special teams snaps (23%) | 78 total tackles (52 solo, 26 assists), 28 run stops, 5 tackles for loss, 5 pressures, 2 INTs, 8 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble
Season recap: In his second year removed from knee surgery (and second year in New England’s defense), Peppers’ role increased within the defense. His play did as well, as the versatile DB established himself as one of New England’s best players last season.
While New England as a whole forced less turnovers then years past, Peppers played a key role in several of the ones they did create. That started in Week 1, where a crushing hit on quarterback Jalen Hurts forced a fumble to set New England’s offense up with a potential go-ahead score. Another soul crushing hit several weeks later against the Raiders resulted in a dislodged football and interception, which Peppers then followed up with an interception of his own the following week.
— NFL (@NFL) October 15, 2023Jabrill Peppers and Jahlani Tavai team up for a crazy INT
: #NEvsLV on CBS
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/B4mQvLOt8O pic.twitter.com/vHQjDgCxEv
Despite his success in coverage, Peppers’ best ability remained as a run defender. His throwback style and hard-hitting nature shined in the run game as he was tied for sixth among all defensive backs in football in run stops (17).
Patriots preview
What will be his role? With the Patriots maintaining the majority of their defensive staff and personnel from last season, Peppers’ role should remain largely similar the same this year. That will include playing deep in the secondary as well in the box where his physical work stands out.
Jabrill Peppers was an absolute DEMON for the @patriots last season. Blitzed off the edge with his hair on fire, and locked receivers down from everywhere on the field. One big reason New England's defense was so much better than its offense in 2023. pic.twitter.com/J3QcvlxEid
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) May 23, 2024
What is his growth potential? As a 28-year old entering his eighth season in the NFL, Peppers shouldn’t be expected to take a major leap skillset wise. But, another year in the system and removed from injury should only lead to better play — especially as DeMarcus Covington has hinted at a more aggressive defense this season.
Does he have positional versatility? Yes. Since his days in Michigan, Peppers has been one of the most versatile players in football. Last season, he logged snaps at free safety, in the box, slot corner, wide corner, and along the line. He also added work in four units of the kicking game, including as a punt returner.
What is his salary cap situation? Peppers enters the final year of his two-year extension which carries a cap hit just under $6.5 million. He projects to be a candidate for an extension.
How safe is his roster spot? Locked in. Peppers was arguably New England’s best defensive player last season, so isn't going anywhere this upcoming year.
One-sentence projection: Peppers will look to build off of his terrific 2023 season as he projects to again be a big part of New England’s defense.
What do you think about Jabrill Peppers heading into the 2024 season? Will he become a valuable contributor in New England as well? Or will he be little more than a role player? Please head down to the comment section to discuss.
