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NFL Draft 2007 – Round 1 #7 – Minnesota Vikings – RB Adrian Peterson

The Minnesota Vikings have selected Adrian Peterson, the Heisman Trophy winning running back from Oklahoma, with the 7th pick.

What the Experts Say:

Scout.com Profile:

Adrian Peterson Photo Civies Evaluation: An outstanding ball carrier with sensational running skills, Peterson possesses all the abilities needed to be a feature runner. Durability issues loom large yet if he stays healthy he is potentially a franchise back at the next level.

STRENGTHS: Instincts, Power, Size

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Durability

Biography: Three-year starter awarded varying degrees of All-Conference and All-American honors since his freshman campaign. Rushing totals last season were 188/1,012/12, with 10 receptions. Sophomore numbers were 220/1,108/14, after career-best numbers of 339/1,925/15 as a freshman. Missed six games last year after breaking a collarbone. Sat on the sidelines for all or portions of four games as a sophomore with an ankle injury.

Adrian Peterson Photo Oklahoma Sooners Uniform Pos: Big, fast ball carrier who can dominate the action. Patient, waits for blocks to develop and finds the running lane, maneuvering through the smallest of holes. Follows blocks anywhere on the field, makes defenders miss and has a burst of speed. Strong, has defenders bouncing off him and picks up a lot yardage off initial contact. Works runs, driving his feet up the field, and displays power in all aspects of the game. Effectively picks up blocking assignments and helps the quarterback sell ball fakes.

Neg: Not always super-aggressive and occasionally shows some tentativeness at the point of attack. More of a straight-line runner who does not show great skill around the corner.

The Atlanta Falcons (via trade from Houston Texans) are on the clock.

UPDATE Scouts.inc:

This is another example of a team making the right decision by trumping need with value. While the Vikings have more pressing needs at several other positions including defensive end and running back Adrian Peterson is too good to pass up on. Peterson is a tough runner who can pick up yards between the tackles and break tackles when he gets into the open field. He has the burst to turn the corner, make the first defender miss and turn on the jets when he gets a seam.

Oklahoma admittedly didn’t throw to Peterson much but he has shown signs of developing into a quality receiver. Of course there are the durability issues. However, Minnesota already has Chester Taylor on the roster so they wont have to lean on Peterson as much as a lot of other teams would have had they taken them.

 
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