Peterson says he wants to be the best
Apr 29, 2011, 8:15 PM | Updated: 9:36 pm
Cardinals first round draft pick Patrick Peterson said he wants to be the best at what he does every day in the NFL.
Peterson joined Sports 620 KTAR’s Sports Interactive Friday after he was selected fifth overall by the Cardinals Thursday night and talked about his dream of reaching the NFL finally coming true.
“The expectations were definitely high and I dreamed this moment would be like it was [Thursday] night, spending it with my family, with my brothers and sisters, and my friends. The dream has definitely come true,” Peterson said.
Peterson was the first cornerback taken in the draft and was regarded by many analysts as the best defensive prospect available. Peterson, who thinks he’s NFL ready right now, said he plans to work on his craft every day and bring a different mentality going into games than other players.
“I’m coming in here with mindset of being a day one starter,” he said. “That’s what I’ve been since I’ve been playing the game of football.”
Peterson, though, acknowledged he has a few things to learn, but is confident he’ll transition to the NFL easily.
“I know it’s different with the schemes and the systems and the speed of the game,” he said, “but that’s definitely not going to be a problem.”
The cornerback also said he is excited for the challenge of lining up across from Cardinals All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald in practice.
“It’s going to special to line up against him every day. I think he’ll definitely get me prepared for the big moments on Sundays,” Peterson said. “I believe he is one of the best in the business right now.
“He’s done a lot to help this team win ball games and that’s something I want to do as well.”
Peterson, who wants to wear number 21 for the Cardinals, said he is not worried about questions that he can’t play zone coverage at the professional level.
“I am a cornerback and if I couldn’t play zone coverage, I wouldn’t be number one.”
