Patrick Peterson Leads Players from 2011 NFL Draft Who Will Make an Impact
Each year, several NFL rookies make a name for themselves on the field because of their outstanding abilities.
These seven players, one from each round of the 2011 NFL Draft, have had excellent college careers and are ready to elevate their respective games to the next level.
Some have been heavily publicized while others have soared under the radar.
Round 1–Patrick Peterson, Arizona Cardinals
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Defensive back Patrick Peterson is one of those rare breed of shutdown corners who only come around once in while (see: Nnamdi Asomugha and Darrelle Revis). The former LSU Tiger already has an outstanding package of skills.
He is a monster when it comes to pressing receivers and has shown his capability to return the football.
Despite having 126 total tackles and seven picks during his college career, he is a player whose best plays don’t show up on paper.
Round 2–Da’Quan Bowers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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If the 2011 draft was a let-down for anyone, it was for Da’Quan Bowers.
After being speculated as a possible No. 1 pick, Bowers dropped not only out of the first round, but 19 picks into the second round before being selected 51st by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Some scouts allude to a possible knee injury lingering from his college career at Clemson being the reason he fell so far, but both Bowers and his agent stress that his knee is fine.
Look for him to play with a chip on his shoulder his whole career, and he will definitely add some spark to this young and promising Bucs’ team.
Round 3–Shareece Wright, San Diego
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Cornerback Shareece Wright’s career at USC was full of ups and downs.
From an incident with police during the 2008 season to fracturing a vertebra in his neck to missing nearly the entire 2009 season with the Trojans due to being academically ineligible, Wright had too many issues keeping him off the field.
Now, he slides further down the coast of California, able to start fresh and join a Chargers’ secondary begging for talent.
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Round 4–Greg Salas, St. Louis Rams
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Greg Salas quietly had one of the best college careers of anyone in this year’s draft.
The former Hawaii warrior finished his career at Hawaii as the career leader in receiving yards (4,345) and had 26 receiving touchdowns.
Salas looks to join a relatively weak receiving core, but his ability to play on the inside and outside will make him a valuable asset for quarterback Sam Bradford.
Round 5–Ahmad Black, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Ahmad Black is another player who suffered a significant drop in this year’s draft.
His small stature has always caused many to raise an eyebrow, but after running a fairly slow 4.7-second 40-yard dash, chances were he should have dropped.
Regardless, he is an aggressive and talented player who doesn’t let his limitations stop him from making an impact all over the field.
Round 6–Ronald Johnson, San Francisco 49ers
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Ronald Johnson may not have had the greatest career as far as USC wide receivers are concerned, but he may have a bigger impact than several of them have had.
He can be a great compliment under the current No. 1, Michael Crabtree.
Round 7–Stanley Havili, Philadelphia Eagles.
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Another Trojan, Havili will add toughness to a seemingly weak Philly roster.
He’s shown leadership as a college player, even going as far as punching a teammate during a high-intensity workout.
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