Bruce Arians: “Patrick Peterson can be a top 5 receiver in league”

It goes without saying that Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson is one of most explosive players in the league. Peterson is getting that same recognition from new Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians as Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic is reporting that Peterson is getting a package of about 15 plays on offense.

Arians talked to Somers about the situation saying “I had hopes that he could be something special, in a package a week, but after you see the athlete he is, it’s like the guy could be one of the top five receivers in the league,” Arians said. “So, you say, ‘Hmmm, that’s a lot of weapons sitting over here next to me.” (ProFootballTalk.com)

While Peterson had been making explosive plays on offense and made defenders miss during some of the practices, there will be limits. Arians said that Peterson “would not be involved in running the Wildcat offense” and he is simply lining up as wide receiver. At receiver right now the Cardinals have Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, and Andre Roberts as their top starting receivers but one more dynamic weapon wouldn’t hurt.

As Peterson made the Pro Bowl in his first two seasons, first as a return specialist and last year as a cornerback, could his third year lead him to a Pro Bowl receiving season? Unlikely, but certainly one thing Cardinals fans and Bruce Arians would certainly love to see.

Peterson has to be the second most important player in the Cardinals franchise after wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, as Peterson most certainly played a part in the team drafting safety Tyrann “Honey Badger” Mathieu, whom some are saying is having the best camp of all players. Peterson and Mathieu were friends and teammates during their college days at LSU and when Mathieu was kicked out of school, Peterson opened his home in Florida to Mathieu were Peterson’s father became a mentor and ultimately helped Mathieu become a Cardinal.

Helping the team draft talented players, and becoming the ultimate weapon as a cornerback, return specialist, and wide receiver, Patrick Peterson may just be the most explosive player in the NFL come the 2013 season.

Follow Mike Pendleton on Twitter @MP2310

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