Cordarrelle Patterson

Patterson came to the Volunteers in 2012 as one of the top junior college prospects in the nation after setting 13 program records during his time at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas. He proceeded to put together a first-team All-SEC coaches selection resume in 2012 after becoming the first NCAA player since 2008 to record a touchdown four different ways in the same since. Patterson set an SEC single-season record with a combined kickoff and punt return average of 27.6 yards, and set a Tennessee record with 1,858 all-purpose yards. While Patterson is a bit of a raw athlete who needs to refine his route-running, he is a versatile playmaker who will bring big-time return skills to the NFL. Patterson has as high a ceiling as any wide receiver in the draft, but projections vary among teams due to his inconsistency as a route-runner and some troubles with drops during the pre-draft process. There is no questioning his size/speed combo after Patterson ran a blistering 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine.

he has a natural feel with the ball in his hands, making defenders miss with quickness to weave through defenses. patterson is tough, confident ballcarrier and runs with the belief that no one can tackle him, powering through arm tackles and allowing defenders to slide off of him.

He has very good strength for the position to use his body, box out defenders and make contested grabs, out-muscling defensive backs. Patterson has quick hands and natural adjustment skills to make impressive catches on off-target throws. His coaches rave about his football intelligence and his competitive nature, playing focused and fiery.

patterson has been extremely productive at both the juco level and tennessee, setting over a dozen school records at hutchinson c.c. including career receptions (113), career receiving yards (1,832) and career total touchdowns (36). he was also productive in track at the juco level with a 10.33 100-meter dash and 22' long jump.

Patterson finished second on the team in receiving in 2012 and set a new Tennessee record for all-purpose yards (1,858), leading the team with 10 touchdowns (5 receiving, 3 rushing, 1 punt return and 1 kick return).

weaknesses

Patterson is still developing as a route-runner and will tip his patterns at times. He is a natural hands-catcher, but will have some concentration lapses and drop some easy ones, running before securing the reception.

patterson needs to scale back his physicality downfield, often extending his arms downfield against tight coverage and getting away with some push-offs. he has a bad habit of stopping his feet when running room isn't there, always searching for the home run instead of taking what's there.

Patterson has made some mistakes on punt returns, allowing the ball to go over his head or catching the punt too close to the goal line. He has just one year of experience at the FBS-level, albeit a productive one season.

strengths

Patterson has a solidly-built frame with good height and length. He is a fluid athlete with good initial burst and strength to release to the inside and gain separation in single coverage. Patterson knows how to create with excellent vision, controlled footwork and speed, showing excellent change of direction and a strong plant foot to make elusive, sharp cuts.

compares to

Mix of Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs and Nate Burleson, Detroit Lions - Patterson has a similar frame and physical downfield nature as Bowe with the speed and quickness of Burleson to contribute as a return man.

Was a first-team All-American as a freshman, claiming the honors as a return specialist

Totaled 645 yards on 21 combined kickoff and punt returns with three touchdowns

Also recorded 52 receptions for 908 yards and nine touchdowns

Holds more than a dozen records at Hutchinson C.C., including career receiving yards (1,832), career receptions (113), career receiving touchdowns (24), career total touchdowns (36), career points (216), career kickoff return average (41.9) and career all-purpose yards (3,379)

Coach at Hutchinson: Rion Rhoades

Full Name: Cordarrelle Patterson

Pronounced: CORE-dare-uhl

Majoring in Arts and Sciences