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the glass is half full not half empty

I think Patterson will need to run more "downhill" in the NFL. His agility is his biggest strength but from the tapes I think he dances around a little too much at times. If you look at other high agility players, guys like AD or Harvin, they can make you miss with a cut or a jump step but at some point they put their head down and just plow ahead. From the highlights it seems like Patterson is more likely to shy from contact rather than seek it. I think given his bigger frame (compared to Harvin) if he can learn to make one or two cuts then run downhill, he'll be better off as you aren't going to make 3 or 4 guys miss in the NFL.

S197 wrote:I think Patterson will need to run more "downhill" in the NFL. His agility is his biggest strength but from the tapes I think he dances around a little too much at times. If you look at other high agility players, guys like AD or Harvin, they can make you miss with a cut or a jump step but at some point they put their head down and just plow ahead. From the highlights it seems like Patterson is more likely to shy from contact rather than seek it. I think given his bigger frame (compared to Harvin) if he can learn to make one or two cuts then run downhill, he'll be better off as you aren't going to make 3 or 4 guys miss in the NFL.

good point. but every receiver with just one semester of college would be very green and raw like Patterson. he has the potential of being another Brandon marshall but like all draft picks its just potential. he has the most upside of all the wr's imo.

S197 wrote:I think Patterson will need to run more "downhill" in the NFL. His agility is his biggest strength but from the tapes I think he dances around a little too much at times. If you look at other high agility players, guys like AD or Harvin, they can make you miss with a cut or a jump step but at some point they put their head down and just plow ahead. From the highlights it seems like Patterson is more likely to shy from contact rather than seek it. I think given his bigger frame (compared to Harvin) if he can learn to make one or two cuts then run downhill, he'll be better off as you aren't going to make 3 or 4 guys miss in the NFL.

Patterson's style of running seemed to work just fine for Barry Sanders, which is the guy Patterson most reminds me of when I watch him run. And there is nothing wrong with avoiding contact as much as possible. Less contact generally equates to fewer injuries and a longer shelf life in the pros, which is what I would rather see from a guy at Patterson's position quite honestly.

Demi wrote:
And the highlight of his QB throwing an INT and instead of trying to tackle the guy he just throws his hands up? That weird enough and work for you! Did you happen to see that highlight reel? No?

Hopefully the first time he does it in the NFL is his last...and AD clocks him on the sideline.

What would you want him to do there? Give token chase since there was no way he was going to catch the guy?

Granted, I didn't like Patterson's reaction because his QB made a mistake and nobody likes to see a teammate berate them for an error, but in reality there was little Patterson could do to affect the play at the point where the ball was picked. He was several yards downfield with him momentum still carrying him away from the ball, while the guy who picked it was moving full steam in the opposite direction. Even if Patterson turns and bolts after him, it is highly doubtful he was going to be able to do anything about it.

VikingLord wrote: Patterson's style of running seemed to work just fine for Barry Sanders, which is the guy Patterson most reminds me of when I watch him run. And there is nothing wrong with avoiding contact as much as possible. Less contact generally equates to fewer injuries and a longer shelf life in the pros, which is what I would rather see from a guy at Patterson's position quite honestly.

The adage, "football is a game of inches" is used often and is what I mean when I talk about running downhill. I don't want the guy to steamroll players like AD but he does run horizontal a LOT in those highlight tapes. Granted it makes for a good highlight reel, I'm just a little skeptical if he's going to be able to make NFL defenders miss like that. At some point, he's going to be better off putting his head down and gaining those extra 3-4 yards rather than running sideline to sideline. He tends to stop his forward momentum a lot in order to try and juke a player, sometimes resulting in him falling awkwardly (almost like a QB slide). I think that will come with coaching and is part of his rawness. It isn't so much about injury avoidance, I just think he'll need to tweak his style of running a bit in the pros to be a more well-rounded receiver. He definitely has the physical tools to be an impact player like Sanders.

S197 wrote: The adage, "football is a game of inches" is used often and is what I mean when I talk about running downhill. I don't want the guy to steamroll players like AD but he does run horizontal a LOT in those highlight tapes. Granted it makes for a good highlight reel, I'm just a little skeptical if he's going to be able to make NFL defenders miss like that. At some point, he's going to be better off putting his head down and gaining those extra 3-4 yards rather than running sideline to sideline. He tends to stop his forward momentum a lot in order to try and juke a player, sometimes resulting in him falling awkwardly (almost like a QB slide). I think that will come with coaching and is part of his rawness. It isn't so much about injury avoidance, I just think he'll need to tweak his style of running a bit in the pros to be a more well-rounded receiver. He definitely has the physical tools to be an impact player like Sanders.

I've noticed the same thing about Patterson and I agree that he'll need to make a few adjustments. He is extremely elusive, though, and that was an attribute that greatly influenced the Vikings' interest in him. I hope the coaches are able to teach him when the juking is worth it and when it's time to just get up field, as you state. He's had very little grooming, so I'm quite hopeful that they can refine his obvious talent and natural instincts. He's fun to watch.

Patterson's style of running seemed to work just fine for Barry Sanders, which is the guy Patterson most reminds me of when I watch him run.

And I remember when Joe Webb reminded people of Bo Jackson as an athlete.

Does anyone have a "wet blanket dryer"

As long as he keeps the blonde tips, he will be a star.

Patterson needs to get stronger and learn how to run routes in the nfl but he is just a baby right now. if he becomes as good as dwayne bowe, crabtree, or dez bryant it will be a very good pick. he should be much better. damn I wish it was September !!!

Purple bruise wrote:Does anyone have a "wet blanket dryer"

Definitely need one. I think a lot of wet dreams around here about Barry Sanders Jr.

(I thought we were foeing each other, or does that only go one way and you'll just keep taking pot shots at other posters in the meanwhile? )

The "wet blanket" comment was for EVERYONE on this topic "dogging CP before he even has had a chance.

Don't dog CP!

He has enough to worry about without having to deal with being dogged, dog gone it.

I like that they put his locker right next to Jennings ..

hopefully Patterson soaks it all in .. Jennings is a great route runner and team player