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DE Julius Peppers, Carolina Panthers

HT: 6-6, WT: 283, Born: 1-18-1980, College: North Carolina, Drafted: Round 1, Pick 2

2008 Projections

Best Case

Julius Peppers is in a contract season and has a lot to play for after a very disappointing 2007 season. Assuming rumors of some significant weight loss after an undisclosed illness are untrue (both the team and Peppers have denied them), Peppers still has all the talent that allowed him to be one of the most feared ends in the league. It also appears that he'll be moved over the weak side end this season after the retirement of Mike Rucker. That might prevent many of the double and triple teams he seen in the past and allow him to get back to top five DL status.

Worst Case

It isn't very reassuring that Peppers, after seeing players like Dwight Freeney and Charles Grant get huge paydays, had such a lackluster performance last year. Questions about his health and motivation are valid as a result and will linger through the summer for those deciding whether to draft him. The move to RDE should help him, but if there's more to Peppers' decline in 2007 than a fluky season, there's again significant downside to rostering him this year. Still, Peppers should be considered a mid DL2 at the worst.

Outlook

Peppers, though a risky pick this year, was probably worth the risk given his 50 tackle, 12 sack upside. The move to RDE could increase his chances for a rebound season significantly, making him a worthwhile gamble after the top two or three ends come off the board.

Writeups last modified: 2008-05-02 13:35:24