NFL Draft 2011: 5 Reasons Why Patrick Peterson Will Be Selected Number One

LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson could be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He is the most touted corner since Champ Bailey and has a ton of upside. 

The Carolina Panthers have plenty of needs on both sides of the ball and just so happen to hold the first pick.

Many of you might be scratching your head on this, but here are five reasons why Patrick Peterson will be the top pick come April 28.

5. Has the Ability to Be an Elite Return Man

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

BATON ROUGE, LA - SEPTEMBER 25: Patrick Peterson #7 of the Louisiana State Univeristy Tigers runs for a touchdown against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Tiger Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Ima

In 2010 at LSU, Peterson became an elite return man. 

Combining kick returns and punt returns, he accumulated 1,350 yards on 58 attempts and took two to the house.

On kick returns, he averaged 29.1 yards an attempt (leading the SEC), constantly giving his team great field position.

With great vision on the field, he could become one of the elite return men in the NFL for years to come.

4. Can Play Safety and Corner

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

BATON ROUGE, LA - SEPTEMBER 25: Patrick Peterson #7 of the Louisiana State Univeristy Tigers runs for a touchdown against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Tiger Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Ima

At six feet tall, he has the size and speed to play both safety and corner.

His press-coverage ability is incredible, as well as his anticipation on routes.

On the other hand, his ball skills are amazing and he is a hawk around the ball.

If selected No. 1, the Panthers can get someone who can play a variety of positions.

3. Ball Skills

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 20: Patrick Peterson #7 of the Louisiana State University Tigers nearly intercepts a pass in the final seconds against Markeith Summers #16 and Korvic Neat #28 of the Ole Miss Rebels as time expired at Tiger Stadium on November

As stated in the previous slide, Peterson's ball skills are amazing.

He has a knack for taking great angles on the ball, and his hands make him look like a receiver on defense.

This past season he had four interceptions for 134 yards, ranking eighth in the country in return yards.

With his ability to intercept passes, he also gives you someone who will always make a play on the ball itself and try to break the play up.

2. Has the Will to Tackle

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 5: Patrick Peterson #7 of the LSU Tigers tackles D'Andre Goodwin #11 of the Washington Huskies during their game on September 5, 2009 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The LSU Tigers defeated the Washington Huskies 31-23. (Phot

Ah, the biggest issue with cornerbacks—tackling.

With his big frame and strong body at 219 pounds, Peterson will get his hands dirty and doesn't mind wrapping up.

Thanks to his strength, he can drag a ball carrier down to the ground. Along with that, his great foot work allows him to break down in the open field and make the tackle.

1. Could Become the Next Darrelle Revis

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts during their 19 to 24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ronald Martinez

Every GM and head coach out there is looking for the next Darrelle Revis.

Peterson is already on his way there, as he won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2010.  

Along with his size, he has the speed to be the next elite shut-down corner. He ran the forty-yard-dash in 4.32 seconds at the combine this week.

With all the skills you look for in an elite corner, Peterson certainly has them all.

But will he be the number one overall pick?