(
)
It’s not often that a cornerback is considered arguably the best player available in the entire NFL Draft.
This is one of those years.
LSU’s Patrick Peterson is considered the complete package, a combination of size, speed, aggressiveness and versatility that scouts haven’t seen at corner since Charles Woodson was winning the Heisman Trophy 14 years ago.
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Peterson appears unlikely to go No. 1 overall next month with the woeful Panthers in dire need of a quarterback or defensive line help, but it’s not as if the underclassman is undeserving of that honor when the draft is held April 28-30 at Radio City Music Hall.
Not only did Peterson run away with the Jim Thorpe Award given to the country’s top defensive back, but he also was considered one of the country’s most dangerous returners after averaging a school record 29.1 yards on kickoffs last season.
“He’s an impact player at two positions,” Rams GM Billy Devaney said at the scouting combine. “You don’t see that very often.”
Peterson also has the body to play safety in the NFL, although he said no teams have talked to him about that position. Their reluctance makes sense, considering Peterson looks as if he will be able to handle press coverage from Day 1 as a rookie — another rarity in the league.
“I’m an all-around player,” Peterson said at the combine. “That’s what I was in college, and that’s what I plan on doing in the NFL.”
A lot of people in the league expect Peterson to live up to that billing as The Post begins its preview with a look at the top corners, safeties and specialists heading into the April 28-30 draft at Radio City Music Hall:
CORNERBACKS
Peterson heads a strong class of corners, continuing a recent trend that was especially noticeable last year with the impressive debuts of Devin McCourty and Joe Haden.
Scouts say the current class of corners could have the same instant impact thanks to more college programs playing man coverage instead of zone.
Nebraska’s physical Prince Amukamara approaches Peterson in skill level and is a certain first-rounder, and Miami’s Brandon Harris, Aaron Williams of Texas and Colorado’s Jimmy Smith all are expected to be scooped up before the end of the second round.
“It’s tough,” Peterson said when asked to grade the corners in his class. “There’s a lot of good names out there. … There’s a lot of good guys who are definitely deserving to be No. 1.”
SAFETIES
While corner is an embarrassment of riches, the safety class is almost an embarrassment.
One year after Tennessee’s Eric Berry wowed them, scouts are giving this group among the lowest overall grades in the entire draft.
Brooklyn product Jaiquawn Jarrett, a free safety from Temple trying to become the first Fort Hamilton H.S. product taken in the NFL Draft, is considered the best athlete of an unimpressive bunch but is likely to go no higher than the fourth round.
UCLA strong safety Rahim Moore gets the highest score after leading the nation in interceptions as a sophomore, but his dramatic dropoff last season is worrisome.
SPECIALISTS
The Jets could have a new kicker and punter this season, and luckily for them, it looks like a good year to fill both those positions.
Nebraska’s Alex Henery has legitimate 50-yard range, is used to kicking in bad weather and doubles as a capable punter, making him the most attractive of the kickers.
Florida, meanwhile, produced a punter in 6-foot-3, 215-pound Chas Henry, who has scouts buzzing. Henry averaged a whopping 45.1 yards as a senior and did not have a punt blocked his entire career. He won the Ray Guy Award as the nation’s top punter in 2010.
bhubbuch@nypost.com
WHERE THE JETS STAND
Assuming Antonio Cromartie doesn’t return and they’re unable to land Nnamdi Asomugha, the Jets will have a need for a corner after 2010 first-round pick Kyle Wilson underwhelmed as a rookie. Gang Green might need a safety, too, if Jim Leonhard’s recovery is slow. And both kicking jobs will be up for grabs.
WHERE THE GIANTS STAND
Cornerback depth is a big need for Big Blue because Corey Webster and Aaron Ross can’t be counted on to stay healthy. Safety is a position of strength, but Kenny Phillips’ return from knee surgery was underwhelming. The Giants are set with Lawrence Tynes at kicker, and they’re determined to forge ahead with erratic young punter Matt Dodge.
By division
Post NFL writer Bart Hubbuch sizes up the needs of every team going into the April 28-30 NFL Draft. This week: NFC West and AFC West
NFC WEST
49ERS: QB, CB, OLB
Big hole at quarterback.
CARDINALS: QB, ILB, OLB
Not ready to trust Fordham’s John Skelton.
RAMS: WR, S, RB
Someone to stretch the field for Sam Bradford is mandatory.
SEAHAWKS: DE, WR, CB
Relied far too much on the blitz; capable pass-rusher wanted.
AFC WEST
BRONCOS: DT, ILB, S
New coach John Fox must put a premium on defense.
CHARGERS: DE, LB, S
Despite No. 1 overall ranking in defense, holes need to be filled.
CHIEFS: OL, WR, NT
Offensive line’s interior is ancient, and playmakers are in short supply.
RAIDERS: CB, OL, TE
Nnamdi Asomugha’s likely departure will leave a gigantic hole at cornerback.