New York Giants special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey praises Jabrill Peppers for his versatility on the field.
When the New York Giants traded Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns back in March, they got a good deal of assets in return. Big Blue received another first-round pick (No. 17 overall) to go with their already-possessed No. 6 overall pick, a third-round pick, and safety Jabrill Peppers.
Now, Peppers will look to take over former Giant Landon Collins‘ role as the starting strong safety in the secondary. Peppers also has experience as a talented returner, stemming from his time in Cleveland and at the University of Michigan.
Per Ryan Dunleavy of NJ.com, Giants special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey is excited to have the versatile Peppers on the roster.
“[Peppers] is a for-sure ball-handler,” said McGaughey. “Can make all the cuts full speed. He just brings juice.”
“He’s a safety in the NFL. Those guys primarily do everything. When you look at them, most of them are three-core, four-core guys when they play. That’s just the reality of it, especially a young safety with a lot of energy like Jabrill.”
With the exception of Peppers, the Giants have wide receivers Corey Coleman, Golden Tate, and possibly rookie Darius Slayton to return punts.
Through 29 career games, Peppers has returned 55 punts for 399 yards, averaging 7.3 yards-per-return. As far as kickoffs, the 23-year-old veteran has 33 kick returns for 726 yards, averaging 22 yards per return.
He also has 136 combined tackles in his career, with two interceptions and eight passes defended. Peppers, cornerback Janoris Jenkins, and safety Antoine Bethea are expected to start in the Giants secondary, with a competition between DeAndre Baker, Julian Love and Sam Beal to take place for the weakside corner spot.