2012 NFL Draft: Who Will Be the Patrick Peterson of This Year's Draft?

Patrick Peterson made a huge impact for the Arizona Cardinals last season as a cornerback and return specialist. He had only two INTs, but his play at corner is improving and Peterson will be a solid defensive back in the NFL.

This comes as an addition to his elite return skills.

Last season, Peterson had four return TDs. The rookie was Devin Hester-like and he gives the Cardinals a dangerous and valuable dual threat for years to come.

One question ahead of this year's draft is who, if anyone, offers a team that type of dual threat as a returner and position player?

Here are four candidates: 

Devon Wylie: WR, 5'9" 175 pounds, Fresno State

Wylie is blazing fast with sub 4.4 40 speed and enough moves to land him on Dancing with the Stars. Wylie definitely has a future as a kick/punt return specialist in the NFL. His explosiveness has to be exciting as a slot receiver as well.

He has the type of game-breaking ability that has to be accounted for at all times. He is coming off a foot injury, but he still averaged over 15 yards per punt return and took two back for TDs in 2011. As a receiver, he caught 56 balls for 716 yards and one TD.

Check Wylie out in this highlight reel.

Foswhitt Whittaker: RB, 5'10" 206 pounds, Texas

Whittaker is an absolute bullet and has good size to be an RB in the NFL. He did suffer a knee injury that cost him the last two games of 2011, but there aren't many players that accelerate the way Whittaker does. His sub 4.5 40 time looks even faster on the field.

As an RB, Whittaker found the end zone six times on 66 rushes for 386 yards. He is extremely versatile, as he also had 16 receptions for 145 yards and a TD. As a return man, Whittaker is even more dynamic, with 10 returns for 424 yards and two TDs.

Whittaker will be an awesome weapon for a team in the NFL. He reminds me a bit of Felix Jones.

Taveon Rogers: WR, 5'11" 195 pounds, New Mexico State

Rogers is a sprinter with good receiving skills. He has been timed at 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. He is definitely a project at receiver in regards to his route running ability, but he is a handful to corral once he has the ball in his hands.

The New Mexico State product was the nation's most prolific kick returner with 1306 yards and three TDs. He also had over 1000 receiving yards and nine TDs in 2011. He is a bit small, but he has some appeal as a deep threat in the NFL, similar to Johnny Knox of the Chicago Bears.

Joe Adams: WR, 5'11" 174 pounds, Arkansas

Adams is a dynamic punt returner. In my opinion, he's the most dangerous in the nation. He reminds me the most of Devin Hester. He has elite stop and go agility and huge heart. Adams has sub 4.4 speed and he projects as a receiver. However, like Hester, a switch to CB is possible. Whoever drafts him will be looking to get the ball in his hands as often as possible.

Adams led the nation in punt return TDs with four on only 19 attempts. He also had 54 receptions for three TDs and one rushing TD. Adams is a game breaker, and that is obvious in this play vs. Tennessee this past season. It is one of the most amazing and memorable plays of 2011.

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