Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma) - 2007 NFL Draft Pick #7 by MIN

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Adrian Peterson (2007 NFL Draft)

Player Overview:

• Name: Adrian Peterson
• Position: Running Back
• College: University of Oklahoma
• Height: 6'1"
• Weight: 217 lbs
• Birthdate: March 21, 1985

Strengths:

• Elite Athleticism: Peterson possesses exceptional speed and agility for his size, making him a home-run threat on any given play.
• Power Runner: He showcases the ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact, demonstrating an impressive blend of power and speed.
• Vision: Peterson has excellent field vision, allowing him to find running lanes and make quick cuts to exploit defensive weaknesses.
• Durability: Despite a significant injury during his college career, he displayed remarkable resilience and a strong work ethic in his recovery.

Weaknesses:

• Injury History: Peterson suffered a significant collarbone injury in 2006, raising concerns about his long-term durability in the NFL.
• Pass Protection: Needs improvement in pass-blocking techniques, which might limit his playing time on third downs.
• Receiving Skills: While capable, he was not used extensively in the passing game at Oklahoma, which could affect his versatility as an NFL back.

Overall Evaluation:

Adrian Peterson was widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2007 NFL Draft, with many analysts projecting him as a franchise running back. His combination of size, speed, and power made him a coveted asset for any team in need of a dynamic playmaker in the backfield. While concerns about his injury history and pass protection existed, his potential to be a game-changing player outweighed these risks. Most teams viewed him as a top-5 pick, and he was expected to make an immediate impact in the NFL.