CNNSI.com NFL Draft 2002


 
Grading System
Adrian Peterson | HB | Georgia Southern | Southern Conference
Selected by Chicago Bears in round 6, pick 27 (199 overall)
Height Weight 40 Grade
5'10 214 4.73 3.44
Adrian Peterson
AP
Younger brother of Indianapolis Colt linebacker Mike Peterson and one of the most prolific runners ever in Division IAA. Finished his senior campaign rushing for 322/1,795/5.6/21, catching five passes and being named to the All-Conference team. All-Conference again as a junior when his rushing totals during the regular season were 230/1,361/5.9/13. Sophomore totals on the ground were 248/1,807/7.3/29 when he also caught a career high nine receptions. Broke into the starting lineup as a true freshman and proceeded to register a career-best 257/1,932/7.5/25 rushing. Has added an additional 2000 yards on the ground the past four years when you factor in playoff games.

Hard-working runner best between the tackles. Runs with forward lean, strong in his lower body and picks up a lot of yardage off initial contact. Displays vision, sees the field, and finds the hole. Follows his blocks and displays some quickness through the openings. Falls forward when being tackled, picking up the extra yardage and works his runs. Blocks with solid fundamentals in pass protection, aware of his assignments and looks for someone to hit. Rarely used as a receiver in Georgia Southern's running offense but did displayed pass catching skills at the Senior Bowl. Not big, fast or shifty. Lacks elusiveness carrying the ball, not one to make something out of nothing nor is he a back with the ability to turn the corner or run to daylight. Besides catching the ball rather non-descript during Senior Bowl week and did not have the performances needed to elevate him into the draft's first day at the combine. Could be a situational runner or short yardage back placed into a lineup to give the feature runner a breather on occasion. Early Fifth Round.

2001 Rushing Statistics
Rushing Yards Attempts Average per Rush Touchdowns
1795 322 5.6 21

2001 Receiving Statistics
Receptions Receiving Yards Yards Per Reception Touchdowns
5 4 0.8 0

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