15 all-time greatest draft picks in Arizona Cardinals history

The 2nd-best Arizona Cardinals draft pick ever: Patrick Peterson

Patrick Peterson was the slam dunk pick of the Cardinals 2011 draft and instantly made his mark felt on special teams during his rookie season. He tied the late and great Ollie Matson for the most punt return scores in a single season in team history, returning four punts for touchdowns.

Peterson would’ve had a fifth in the year’s final game against the Rams, but the one he did score against them earlier in the year remains one of the most dramatic, season-changing plays for the Cardinals ever.

Peterson’s 99-yard walk off-winner against the Rams in Overtime took the Cardinals, who were riding a six-game losing streak and entered the game 1-6 and turned them into a team that finished 9-7 (Early Doucet tripping in Cincinnati cost them a playoff spot, and no, I will not forget that).

When Peterson started playing mostly defense, he shined as a shutdown corner that the Cardinals hadn’t had in a very long time. With eight Pro Bowls and three All-Pro selections, and a spot on the NFL’s All 2010s team, Peterson was one of the best draft picks for the Cards.

We won’t get into how his tenure ended here, as I’ve written about that in the past. The Cardinals got to face Peterson for the first time last season and won by the slimmest of margins.

Will they beat Peterson again this year?