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Jabrill Peppers has been an enigma as an NFL Draft prospect in terms of where he will ultimately land. However, his chances of being a first round pick may have taken a hit on Monday.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Peppers’ drug test results returned a diluted sample at the NFL Combine in February.
It is important to note that the sample result does not mean he tested positive for any banned substances, but the NFL treats it as such and he will begin his career in the league’s drug program.
His agency has already responded to the claim and explained what happened:
“Peppers went to the combine. He was sick after flying there from San Diego. He has a history of cramping. Peppers was being pumped with fluids, drinking 8-10 bottles of water before he went to bed, because he was the first guy to work out two days for the LBs and DBs. He had to go through that first day, come back on second day, and that was the fear. So Peppers was pounding water and under the weather. He never failed a drug test in his life, nor tested positive before for any substance”
Peppers has been seen as a tweener to some in the league, who have questioned his status as a first round pick. Now, this gives teams an excuse to pass on him, which likely lands him in the second round.
His stock has been a fascinating storyline this offseason and it just got a whole lot more interesting heading into the draft, which begins on Thursday night in Philadelphia.