RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

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

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

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.