San Francisco 49ers Draft: Why Patrick Peterson Is a Must-Pick

Elite cornerbacks are like power-hitting shortstops, or talented white rappers. Very hard to uncover, but if you find one, it’s a game changer.

Long-tenured 49ers fans will remember the instant impact, and Super Bowl, that Deion Sanders brought to San Francisco in 1994. Considering the Prime Time-esque praise being heaped upon LSU corner Patrick Peterson, there is a growing sense of excitement amongst the Faithful over the idea of Peterson wearing the red and gold next season.

Peterson is described by many, including long-time draft guru Mel Kiper, as the best athlete in this year’s draft. He posted a 4.31 in the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine, possesses good size (6-feet, 219 lbs.) and strength for a cover corner and has experts salivating over the more ambiguous attributes like “hip fluidity” and “route recognition.”

Unlike like some who’ve worn the “athlete” label, which is often applied to guys who do their best work in disturbingly tight Under Armor outfits, Peterson also has an impressive list of on-field accolades.

He won the Jim Thorpe Award last year, given to college football’s best defensive back, he led the SEC in punt return average (16.1 yds) and set an LSU record with 932 kickoff return yards.

Not only does Peterson possess a skill set that would make him a steal at No. 7, he fills a major hole in the 49ers’ defense. San Francisco was 24th against the pass last year and their alleged No. 1 corner Nate Clements is three years removed from being able to keep up with the league’s elite receivers.

Plugging Peterson into the San Francisco secondary would have an immediate trickle-down effect, allowing Clements to be matched-up against No. 2 receivers and use his still above-average tackling skills on run support and blitzes.

Shawntae Spencer, meanwhile, could slide into the nickel and prevent packages and reduce the 49ers’ propensity for being diced up during two minute-drills (a la the New Orleans and Atlanta games last year).

Peterson would also give the 49ers a much-needed boost in the return game. San Francisco was 30th in the league in return average last season, and when you’re installing an entirely new offensive system, improved field position and the occasional return TD is greatly appreciated.

Before 49ers fans get to work on their Patrick Peterson Facebook page, it’s important to note that cornerback is a uniquely difficult position to draft because of the combination of athletic ability and irrational confidence required to succeed.

For every Deion Sanders and Champ Bailey, there are two Mike Rumphs (the last cornerback the 49ers took in the first round and a player who apparently thought he was paid by the pass interference penalty).

Considering Peterson’s potential and the immediate holes he would fill in the secondary and on special teams, selecting him at No. 7 is a no-brainer. The real challenge for Baalke and Co. will be reading the smoke signals sent by other GMs to decide if it’s worth packaging one of their league-leading 12 picks to ensure Peterson is manning the corner in Candlestick next season.