ESPN’s Mel Kiper: Changing positions will hurt Jabrill Peppers’ draft stock

Jabrill Peppers doing it all should benefit Michigan on the field this fall. But is it best for him?

ESPN’s Mel Kiper ranked Peppers as his No. 11 prospect in next year’s draft on his latest big board, but says the Wolverines star could move up if he settles on a position.

“Coach Jim Harbaugh raves about Peppers, who might be the most versatile player in college football. At 6-foot, 210 pounds, he plays safety, corner and outside linebacker and is even a dynamic returner,” Kiper wrote, via the Detroit Free Press’s Mark Snyder. “Not having a defined position could hurt him in scouts’ eyes, though. He needs to settle in. Could he become a Deone Bucannon at the next level? I expect him to test off the charts when he comes to the NFL combine.”

Peppers was listed at safety last year, but will play linebacker, nickel back, on specials teams and on offense this fall. And maybe more.

Harbaugh said he wants Peppers to play nearly 100 snaps per game.

Peppers is entering his redshirt sophomore season and will be eligible for the 2017 NFL Draft.