Peterson almost certainly going to make the Pro Bowl as a punt returner. He is an excellent returner.
As a corner back (and at this time), he is much less effective--getting better, but overall his play on defense has been marked by penalties and getting beat---and getting beat badly. For most of the season, he has been a liability on the defensive side of the ball. In the future, he will most likely prove to be a decent corner, but he still has a lot to learn. To be blunt, he has not lived up to the hype about his skills as a defensive back.
In part, his problems are due to the fact that injuries to the starting corners forced him to start before he was ready. But, it also true that his improved play can be directly attributed to the improvement in the Cards pass rush. That improved pass rush could well be masking weaknesses that still exist in his cover skills. If that is the case, it will take more time for his value as a defensive play to increase.
In contrast, Aldon Smith has not been forced into a starting position before being ready. As the season has progressed, his playing time has gradually increased and he has clearly been prepared for that increased playing time. Aldon Smith also has had the good fortune to be "adopted" by Justin Smith. At this time, he has proven to an asset, not a liability, for the defense. His contributions to the 49er defense have been excellent.
After the Steeler game, Justin Smith raved about Aldon's work ethic, his physical skill set, and his football intelligence. Justin Smith seemed to be convinced that this young kid was going to a major force in the NFL. Anyone who thinks that Aldon Smith might not become a three-down linebacker, and a very good one, is just not paying attention. He has played better than anyone could have imagined. He has set a new team record for sacks, and remember that record was set by Charles Haley. He is on the verge of breaking the NFL sack record for rookies. He might not break that record, but he has a very chance to do it. He only needs two more sacks.
Peterson's special team contributions, in my opinion, merit a Pro Bowl selection. But, if we compare Peterson's play on defense with Smith's play on defense, there is only one logical conclusion that can be drawn. At this point in their young careers Aldon Smith is a much better defensive player than Patrick Peterson. Aldon Smith was not a reach at pick number seven. Aldon Smith is defensive asset now; in the future, Patrick Peterson may become a defensive asset.
At this tine, J.J. Watt, Ryan Kerrigan, and Von Miller, are better defensive players than Peterson, although it must be acknowledged that Von Miller has had serious problems defending the run.
If we were to redo the draft knowing what we know now, and we had a choice between Peterson, Smith, Kerrigan, Watt, and Von Miller, the choice would be difficult. Trusting the words of Justin Smith, and recognizing the team's need for a pass rusher, I would take Aldon Smith.
edit: J.J. Watt is a very impressive player.
[ Edited by buck on Dec 24, 2011 at 12:14 AM ]