Scouting The 2013 NFL Draft: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR - Tennessee

Introduction

Patterson is an interesting prospect, he came to Tennessee in 2012 after spending his college career at Hutchinson community college in Kansas where he set 13 program records. He set a Tennessee record in 2012 with 1,858 all purpose yards and he set a SEC record with a combined 27.6 yards per return combined on kicks and punts. Although there is no A.J Green or Dez Bryant in this draft, Patterson seems to be the closest thing and while he is considered a first round prospects, where in the first round is still up for debate.

Measurables

Height: 6'2

Weight: 216 lb's

Arm Length: 31 3/4"

Hands: 9"

College: Tennessee

Stats

Positives

There is a ton to like about the game that Patterson possesses. First of all his acceleration is elite, he gets off the line in a hurry and he gave a lot of corners problems in 2012 straight off the snap. Has good wide receiver measurables with hood height, length and weight. Well built frame and possesses good strength. Not afraid to mix it up off the line and will beat the press with ease. Has excellent change of direction ability, makes sharp cuts and plants his foot well. Hard to tackle with the ball in his hands, has good vision for creases and was used our the backfield at Tennessee. Has good open field moves and will not go down on first contact, will work through arm tackles. Uses his frame well to box out, and constantly outmuscles defensive backs on contested catches. Shows good body control to adapt to poorly thrown footballs and made some exceptional catches in 2012. Shows good football intelligence to find soft spots in zone coverage. Works his way back if first option isn't there. Will give 100% effort on every single snap and will mix it up in run blocking. Versatile performer who returned punts and kicks, lined up in the backfield and went out in patterns. Good head on his shoulders and wants to improve.

Weaknesses

Only one year against FBS competition, and still developing his route running. acceleration off the snap is elite, but his actual routes can be sloppy. Will need to work on concentration as has been known to drop some passes that he should be bringing in. Will need to work on his blocking at the next level, and can be too physical down field.

Conclusion

I really do love Patterson's game, i consider him a better version of Stephen Hill. I still think Hill will develop into an elite talent, and I think Patterson will do the same. The problems with Hill's game are the problems with Patterson's. Will need to work on route running and concentration. Patterson could help immediately in both the passing game and special teams department. In 2 years he'll be an elite receiver in the league - as long as he works at his craft.

Would I draft him for the Jets?

It's a difficult one, we do need better players at the skill position and a lot of experts are picking Cord in the top 15, so picking him at 9 may not be as big a reach as some originally thought. He would upgrade our passing game and return game and if we are going QB next year, we have two young receivers who have had time to refine their game. He may not be my first choice at #9 but I wouldn't be disappointed to add someone with this kind of potential to a team devoid of offensive talent.

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