Will Peterson was drafted No. 78 overall by the New York Giants in the 2001 NFL Draft out of Western Illinois. 97 regular-season games · 3 seasons as a starter · 23 career approximate value
- Overall pick
- #78
- Round
- 3
- Draft class
- 2001
- NFL games
- 97
- Years as starter
- 3
- Career AV
- 236th at Western Illinois
The pick
How Will Peterson came off the board in 2001.
- Position
- Defensive back DB
- Side of the ball
- Defense
NFL career
97 regular-season games · 3 seasons as a starter · 23 career approximate value
- Games played
- 97
- Seasons as a starter
- 3
- Career approximate value
- 236th among Western Illinois picks
- AV with the drafting club
- 1670% of career value
- Final season
- 20109 years after the draft
Around pick 78
Who came off the board on either side of Will Peterson.
Texas A&M
Florida State
Penn State
Pittsburgh
Western Illinois in the 2001 draft
Teammates who went in the same class.
Other DB picks from Western Illinois
The program's most accomplished players at the same spot.
About this draft profile
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Will Peterson in the 2001 NFL Draft
Will Peterson is a Defensive back out of Western Illinois selected No. 78 overall by the New York Giants in the 2001 NFL Draft. 97 regular-season games · 3 seasons as a starter · 23 career approximate value Western Illinois has produced 17 NFL draft picks since 1981.
Where this data comes from
Pick order and career outcomes come from the nflverse draft archive; position, measurables, and conference at the time of the draft come from the college feed. Career columns stay empty until a player logs regular-season snaps.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Will Peterson drafted?
Will Peterson was selected No. 78 overall by the New York Giants in the 2001 NFL Draft (Rd 3). Full pick detail at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/2001/will-peterson.
What college did Will Peterson play for?
Will Peterson played college football at Western Illinois in the OVC-Big South. See every Western Illinois draft pick at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/schools/western-illinois-leathernecks.
How did Will Peterson's NFL career turn out?
97 regular-season games · 3 seasons as a starter · 23 career approximate value Career outcome data at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/2001/will-peterson.