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Photo of Cedric Peerman
Grade
?
  • 4.45 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 27 REPS
    Top Performer
  • 40.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 118.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 7.35 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 4.29 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 5'10" Height
  • 216LBS. Weight

Overview

While Virginia struggled as a team running the ball in 2008, Peerman's tough, low center of gravity style makes him a valued commodity. The honorable mention All-ACC pick rushed for 774 yards and seven scores while catching 44 passes (for only 193 yards, 4.4 per reception) as a senior.

Peerman's biggest contribution as a young NFL player might be on kickoff returns, where he averaged 26.5 yards on 40 attempts in 2005-06 before his touches there were limited by coaches wanting him healthy on offense (and by teams kicking away from him). Peerman was one of the more impressive running backs at the Senior Bowl at times, but a fumble in the game may have confirmed scouts' worst fears. Had an arm span of 31 inches and a hand span of 8 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Short, thick build that appears capable of handling NFL punishment. Quick to the hole. Good lateral agility to make defenders miss. Runs with surprising authority. Can bounce to the outside and has the burst to get to the second level. Might lack elite stopwatch speed, but plays fast and can pull away in the open field. Soft hands out of the backfield. High effort player who makes those around him better. Negatives: Lacks the bulk teams are looking for in a bell-cow runner. May have to be a change of pace back in the NFL due to his struggles in staying healthy. Missed second half of 2007 with Lisfranc surgery on his right foot and missed time last season with a bruised knee. Very small hands, which scouts fear will lead to fumbles. Didn't help his cause in this area with a fumble during the Senior Bowl.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.
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