Adrian Peterson says it will be a mistake not to make him a fantasy first-rounder

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson thinks he has first-round running back fantasy value (Credit: AP Photo/Genevieve Ross)

ESPN has Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson ranked 11th in their fantasy running back rankings. NFL.com’s analysts have Peterson as high as 6th and as low as 37th. If you ask Peterson, ranking him low and drafting him anywhere but the first round is a mistake.

Asked by Paul Allen of KFAN on Wednesday whether it would be a mistake not to take Peterson in round one of a given fantasy draft.

“I would think so,” Peterson said.  ”The way I look at it, to each his own. . . .  This whole offseason, I’ve been hearing that.  ’Adrian, should we take you?  Will you be ready?’  Hey, I’ve got faith that I’m gonna be out there.  Do you have the faith?  That’s how you’re gonna get your reward.”

Peterson also said he’ll be carrying the ball during the preseason — and taking it into the end zone in Week One of the regular season, against the Jaguars.

“Yes,” Peterson said, “I expect to score.”

If Peterson is healthy and actually starts week one he could be an absolute steal in most fantasy drafts. I have seen him go as late as the fourth round in a 10-team league. If you want to find out where we rank Peterson, wait for our mock draft which will be coming up in the next week.