NFL: Best 10 players 25 or younger
By Phil Watson
2. Patrick Peterson, CB, Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals snagged LSU’s Patrick Peterson, who will be 24 on July 11, with the fifth overall pick in 2011 and in just three seasons, he’s already a two-time All-Pro.
Peterson tied an NFL single-season record as a rookie with four punt returns for touchdowns and has started every game in his three-year career.
He was an All-Pro again in 2013 and has been a Pro Bowler in each of his three campaigns.
Last season, Peterson had three interceptions and 13 passes defensed while recording 42 tackles.
The interception total was down from the seven he had in 2012, in part because teams were much less willing to throw the ball his direction.
He’s also messed around and played some on the offensive side of the ball, with 10 catches and seven carries in his three seasons.
The versatile Peterson even completed his first career pass in 2013, throwing a 17-yard completion out of a wildcat formation against the Detroit Lions in Week 2.