Originally posted by jreff22:Originally posted by SF69ers:Quote:
LSU consensus All-American cornerback Patrick Peterson is ambitious, wanting to convince the Carolina Panthers to choose him with the first overall pick of the draft.
Peterson told National Football Post that he'll meet with the Panthers tonight. He also has meetings with the Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers.
The Jim Thorpe and Chuck Bednarik Award winner conducted a workout for NFL teams today at the Senior Bowl. The star junior is projected to go within the top five selections of the draft in April after declaring early for the draft.
"I believe I can bring a lot to the table," Peterson said during an interview at the Renaissance Riverview Hotel in downtown Mobile. "I can bring shutting down the offense's No. 1 receiver. I can take away one side of the football field. I have a tremendous amount of focus and confidence in myself to be the best on the field.
"My goal is to be No. 1, that's the ultimate goal. I have to work extremely hard each and every day. It's an open game right now We'll have to see what the NFL draft has to bring."
Peterson was a three-year starter at LSU and intercepted seven passes, recording 135 tackles, 22 pass deflections and returned two punts for touchdowns as well as a blocked field goal.
Last season, he intercepted four passes and broke up six passes with one blocked field goal and 42 tackles.
He ranked first in the Southeastern Conference with a 16.1 punt return avrerage and ninth in the nation with a 29.1 kickoff return average.
Peterson is aiming to run in the 4.2 range at the NFL scouting combine. He worked out for teams today, performing defensive back drills as well as the short shuttle and three-cone drill.
Listed at 6-foot-1, 221 pounds last season, Peterson said he weighed in at 211 poounds today and hopes to get down to 206 pounds by the combine.
"I had a nice workout this morning," Peterson said. "I'm looking for that 4.2 at the combine. I ran a 4.31 before. I'm liking being here. This is a chance to talk with the different GMs and owners. It's a fun process.
"I love it. It's all hard work and preparing for that moment with my coaching staff and my dad all those guys getting me prepared for the huge moment."
Unlike many cover cornerbacks, Peterson isn't shy about hitting.
"My coaches always said they wouldn't have corners who don't come up and tackle," Peterson said. "A lot of guys will bounce it to the outside to corners who won't tackle and look for easy touchdowns. Coach Cooper got me in the mindset of being physical and being a sure tackler."
No way he drops down to us, especially if he runs in the low 4.3 or maybe even 4.2.
Once the combine is over he will be back up to 218+, his playing weight is not 206
From some sites, people have said that the reason why Peterson could drop was because of his weight and his natural position possibly being at safety (a la Malcolm Jenkins). I think this is total BS and I feel like he'd be a very good corner even at 215 or so. But regardless, even if he was at 206, he'd still be a great corner IMO.
