With the 29th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings selected Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson. Smith is the No. 28-rated player in the draft rankings from SB Nation's Dan Kadar and the fourth-rated wide receiver.
2013 NFL Draft results: Cordarrelle Patterson selected by Vikings with 29th pick
Minnesota continued an offseason upgrade of their receiving corps.
Patterson, 22, only played one season at the FBS level but was considered the top junior college recruit heading into the 2012 season. He chose Tennessee over Auburn, Georgia and Ole Miss and in his one season in the SEC, he caught 46 passes for 778 yards and five touchdowns. He also scored one touchdown as a kick returner, one as a punt returner and three rushing touchdowns in 2012.
Rocky Top Talk on Cordarrelle Patterson
There is little denying his physical ability, but 46 catches for 778 yards and five touchdowns is a modest season for any NFL-caliber wide receiver, and when it's your only season at the top college level, there is some danger. The Vikings clearly didn't want to wait around to add another explosive wideout to their offense, trading into the first round to select Patterson. He'll bring another option for defenses to focus on, along with Greg Jennings and Adrian Peterson.
Combine results
Height: 6’2
Weight: 216 pounds
Hand size: 9.08 inches
40-yard dash: 4.42 seconds
Vertical jump: NA
Despite the fact that he played only one season in a major college program, Patterson has the size and speed to be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. He can both play on the outside as a deep threat and in the slot if needed and he can be a threat on special teams as well.
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