Julius Peppers
DE, North Carolina · 2002 NFL Draft, Round 1, pick #2 (CAR)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, availability. Details below.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 266 of ~272 possible regular-season games from 2002 through 2018 (~98%). Last NFL season: 2018.
- Pre-draft rankings
No ESPN pre-draft ranking on file for him.
- School
North Carolina: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.74 40-yard dash at 283 lbs: faster than 79% of DLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
DE (DL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53% of the time (966 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 266 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 16 |
| Pro Bowls | 9 |
| First-team All-Pro | 3 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 130 |
| Defense | 557 tackles, 159.5 sacks, 11 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2018 |
The 2002 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2002 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 | |
| Position DL | 53.0% n=966 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 6", 283 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.74 s |
| Age at draft | 22 |
Picked around him 2002 redraft
| 1 | David Carr | redraft #30 |
| 3 | Joey Harrington | redraft #62 |
| 4 | Mike Williams | redraft #72 |
| 5 | Quentin Jammer | redraft #19 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.