Cleveland Browns select Jabrill Peppers at No. 25 overall

The Cleveland Browns made a surprise move by drafting Jabrill Peppers with the No. 25 overall pick after trading down from pick No. 12.

The Cleveland Browns decided to avoid the quarterback position Thursday night to focus on the defense.

That began with Myles Garrett at the No. 1 pick and continued with Jabrill Peppers at pick No. 25.

The pick came after the Browns traded out of the No. 12 pick, so fans will compare Peppers’ production to those players taken before him all throughout 2017 and beyond.

After Ohio State fans get over the fact he is from Michigan, Peppers is perhaps the most dynamic player drafted by the Browns in a long time. He projects to be a safety, but can also slot in as the kick and punt returner.

The pick is interesting given the Browns could have taken arguably a better talent in Malik Hooker at pick No. 12, but getting that Houston Texans first-round pick in 2018 does make the trade worthwhile.

Peppers’ statistics in college don’t jump out as impressive, but his athleticism makes him a project for Gregg Williams to work with right away.

He should be a starter in the secondary right away, and could even be used in special offensive packages if Hue Jackson wants to get fancy.

But at the start, Peppers will become Williams’ personal project as the Browns have rewarded the new coordinator with two top defensive prospects in this year’s first round.

Next: Browns take Garrett at No. 1

Fans may have wanted to go with a quarterback, but it is clear the goal is to continue building other positions of need and allow Cody Kessler and Brock Osweiler to duke it out for the starting spot.