Patrick Peterson

Peterson entered the 2010 season hoping to establish himself as the top cornerback in the country. In winning the Bednarik Award as the nation's best defender, the Thorpe Award as the nation's best defensive back and being named the SEC's Defensive and Special Teams MVPs, he may have proven himself to be the nation's best player at any position. Voted the USA Today Defensive Player of the Year in 2007, Peterson could have signed with any program in the country. He proved well worth the hype, becoming a rare freshman standout with the Tigers, playing in 13 games and registering 41 tackles, three passes broken up and an interception. Peterson started the 10th game of the Tigers' season in 2008 (Troy) and hasn't left the starting lineup in LSU's 28 games since. Peterson emerged as a star in his second season, registering 52 tackles (including 43 solos), 15 passes broken up and two interceptions in earning first-team All-SEC and second-team All-American honors. He was even better his junior season, seeing his tackle numbers drop (36) only because opponents learned to stay away from his side of the field. He turned more of his passes defensed (10) into interceptions (four) and was allowed for the first time to participate as a punt and kick returner in 2010. Not surprisingly, Peterson demonstrated standout ability in this area as well, ranking fourth in the SEC in all-purpose yardage (116.9 yards per game) despite not playing a single down on offense. Peterson returned 26 punts for 418 yards (a 16.08-yard average) and two touchdowns and returned 29 kickoffs for a school-record 851 yards and a 29.3-yard average. Having proven himself to be a shutdown corner and dynamic returner against SEC competition, Peterson rates as one of the elite prospects of the 2011 draft. In fact, some view Peterson as the draft's top player. He's likely to earn a top five selection and could challenge former Ohio State star Shawn Springs (drafted No. 3 overall by Seattle in 1997) as the highest drafted cornerback in modern league history.

run support

When not in press coverage, reads run quickly and either provides the contain to push the runner back inside or makes the tackle himself. Focuses on his primary target - the receiver - when he's in press coverage and can be a step slower to recognize run. Trusts his teammates to make the play, showing good strength and toughness to fight through blocks, but not always the sense of urgency scouts would prefer. Good effort in pursuit. Takes good angles to the ball and has the speed to run down the ballcarrier.

man coverage

Rare fluidity and straight-line speed for a defender of his size. Quick feet and balance when backpedaling and when he switches to a side shuffle technique. Rarely uses his hands to jam the receiver, opting instead simply to turn and run with his opponent. Will occasionally misjudge the speed of his opponent when in off-man coverage, allowing the receiver to eat up too much of the cushion. Easily flips his hips and shows very good burst out of his breaks (especially considering his size) to mirror the receiver. Good acceleration and has a burst to close. Good route-recognition. Good body lean and use of the sideline to ride wideouts out of bounds. Excellent size, overall physicality and competitiveness for jump-ball situations. Times his leaps well and can high-point the ball due to excellent hand-eye coordination.

tackling

Reliable open-field tackler. Breaks down well in space to make the stop against elusive athletes. Willing to take on the bigger ballcarrier and does a nice of wrapping his arms securely around the legs to make the effective stop. Good effort in pursuit. Not an explosive hitter, but plays his size, strength and long arms help him knock down ballcarriers quickly.

zone coverage

Good recognition for zone coverage, but will drift out of position when he's reading the eyes of quarterbacks, resulting in some big-play interceptions, but also in allowing receptions when savvy passers bait him. Quick feet and balance to change directions. Good route anticipation. Switches off his target quickly when he sees the quarterback throwing elsewhere. Closes on the ball quickly.

intangibles

Confident, almost cocky demeanor on the field. Possesses the short memory of all great cornerbacks. Extremely competitive. Seems to relish the battles against top receivers in man coverage. Campaigned to be used on special teams and even offense while at LSU due to his natural playmaking skills. Good bloodlines. Cousins of NFL cornerback Bryant McFadden and wide receivers Santana and Sinorice Moss. Characterized as "freak" athlete.

closing/recovery

Some concern over what his time in the 40-yard dash will be, but shows very good field speed and possesses a second gear of acceleration to close on the ball. Locates the ball quickly and has the long arms to break up passes (or even make the interception) when it appears that he is beaten. Has good, but not elite burst to break downhill out of his cuts, making him susceptible to comeback routes against bigger receivers who challenge him vertically (see Alabama, Texas A&M). Among best attributes is his size, leaping ability and ball skills on fade and go-routes against bigger receivers. Matches up well in jump-ball situations. Isn't afraid to get physical in these confrontations, but because he's going for the ball, doesn't draw the flag. Very good ball skills. Times his leap well, showing a good vertical and possesses the long arms and soft, strong hands to pluck the ball out of the air. Excellent return skills once he has the ball in his hands.

read & react

Possesses good instincts for the position. Reads his man and will sneak a peek at the quarterback, showing the anticipation necessary to make the big play. Can get over-aggressive and bite on double-moves, though he shows good straight-line speed to recover and possesses excellent ball skills. Could come up more aggressively when he reads run, as he's content with allowing teammates to make the tackle, but isn't afraid to come up in run support when he has to.

Combine: 4.31 40-yard dash; 15 reps at 225 pounds; 38-inch vertical; 10'6" broad jump; 4.07 short shuttle; 6.58-cone drill.

One of the most decorated high school players to ever sign with LSU

Named the USA Today Defensive Player of the Year following the 2007 season

Also named to the Parade All-America team and the USA Today All-America Team

Rated as the nation’s fifth best overall player by Rivals.com and No. 8 by ESPN

Scout.com rated him the top cornerback in high school football in 2007

A consensus five-star prospect by all major recruiting services

A member of SuperPrep’s All-Dixie team

Named the Class 6A-5A-4A Player of the Year by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Earned a spot on the Mobile Press-Register’s Super Southeast 120

Also named to the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Super Southern 100

Participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl

Was one of six finalists for the U.S. Army Player of the Year Award. Intercepted five passes as a senior in addition to making 21 tackles

Considered a threat on the offensive side of the ball as a senior, rushing for 733 yards and 11 touchdowns

Named the Defensive MVP at the 2007 U.S. Army Junior Combine

Earned Rivals.com junior All-America team honors

Was a consensus selection as a junior to the All-Broward Country first team

Earned Class 5A all-state second team honors as a junior

Picked off seven passes as a junior to compliment his 37 tackles

Reached the endzone seven times during his junior campaign – three times on kickoffs, twice as a receiver and twice on the ground

Rushed for 213 yards on just 10 carries

Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds

Relative of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden, New York Giants wide receiver Sinorice Moss and Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss

Coached by James Jones.

Full name is Patrick De’mon Peterson

Formally changed his last name from Johnson to Peterson in August of 2008

Born July 11, 1990 in Fort Lauderdale

Parents are Patrick and Shandra Peterson.