There are two reasons why I think Sheldon Richardson could end up being Seattle’s ideal 2013 draft pick. Firstly, the team needs to find a way to create more pressure using its base defense. The second reason was all down to something Pete Carroll said in one of his press conferences last week.
Red Bryant was a major doubt for the Chicago Bears game due to injury. When asked who would replace Bryant at defensive end, Carroll answered Alan Branch. Greg Scruggs would fill in at three technique.
Bryant is 323lbs and Branch is listed at 325lbs. I found it pretty fascinating that Carroll was so determined to keep size at that position. He could’ve started Scruggs or Jason Jones at defensive end – with both seemingly capable of acting as a more orthodox five-technique. Instead he wanted to move an interior lineman to the outside at the expense of giving up 50lbs at tackle.
The role of Bryant has become pretty integral to this team. While some fans have questioned his impact this year, especially in light of the inconsistent pressure up front, there’s no doubt that Carroll intends to stick with this plan. He wants Bryant outside for a reason (we’ll come on to that in a moment). As a result, he’s also prepared to have a pretty unbalanced pass rush when using the base defense.
We discussed last week how important it was for Seattle to find more pressure within this scheme. Carroll and Gus Bradley are only rushing four most of the time. They aren’t blitzing all that much. It seems to me that they want to max out the potential for turnovers by playing tight against the run on early downs and putting teams into 3rd and long situations. And when they’re in third and long, they turn to speed. Bruce Irvin and Jason Jones join Chris Clemons for the ‘money down’. You can play nickel, you can create a situation where the chances of a turnover are increased. Quick pressure, force the mistake and have enough people in coverage to capitalise. It makes a lot of sense.
However – when teams are prepared to pass on early downs, quarterbacks are having a lot of time in the pocket. In the base defense, the line consists of Bryant, Branch, Clemons and Brandon Mebane. That’s a lot of size, but also a total reliance on Clemons for pressure. If you’re keeping Bryant in the line-up – and Pete Carroll is keeping Bryant in the line-up – the only place you can upgrade to create more pressure is defensive tackle.
The 4-3 under defense that Carroll is using lends a lot of weight to the philosophy created by Monte Kiffin. You shift the tackles away from the heart and strength of the offensive line, thus making it very difficult to double team the three-technique tackle. The nose tackle (Brandon Mebane) plays off the shoulder of the center. That, theoretically, creates a situation where the three technique and the LEO (Chris Clemons) are in 1vs1 situations with the left guard and left tackle. And that’s where the team is going to have success.
It does leave you light on one side of the line, which is why I think they like Red Bryant so much. He’s a space eater, he draws attention. And with the rest of the line favouring one side, there’s always the possibility you become easy to run against. Bryant takes away that advantage with his size. So while we can sit here and complain about a lack of pass-rush, Bryant is actually doing his job by simply stopping this team getting gashed consistently. He makes everything else tick. And his role will increase in importance the moment Seattle actually has a three technique who creates pressure.
Alan Branch isn’t a terrible defensive tackle. He’s just not a pass rusher. He’s playing 20-30lbs heavier than a prototypical three-technique and he doesn’t get a lot of penetration. Seattle should try and retain Branch as a useful rotational piece and a potential backup if Bryant or Mebane goes down. But really, he has to be upgraded on the base defense for this unit to maximise its potential. The Seahawks need a 290-300lbs three technique who won’t give up the run advantage they get with Branch, but can also take advantage of the scheme. As soon as you get someone collapsing the pocket inside, that’s when you’ll see the best of this defense.
Missouri’s Sheldon Richardson fits the bill to a tee.
I’ve seen him listed between 6-2 and 6-4 and anywhere between 290-295lbs. He has quite a solid, compact frame and ticks all of the boxes you’d look for from an interior rusher. He’s not a one trick pony and will mix up his speed and bull rushes. He has an explosive first step and he’s the most competitive defensive tackle I’ve seen since Ndamukong Suh. How many defensive tackles go for an interior pass rush, see the ball thrown to the sideline and then go after the receiver to try and make a play? Richardson is a tremendous athlete with an unmatched motor. He’s sparky, he wants to win and he gets in your face. That’ll rub some coaches and GM’s up the wrong way, but that’s exactly how you need to be to play this position.
Given the long list of positives, how is there any chance he falls anywhere close to Seattle’s pick? There are some perceived ‘downsides’. He’s pretty outspoken. He labelled Georgia’s style of play as ‘old man football’ in a press conference before the season opener. Georgia won handsomely. He talked trash about Alabama too, before Missouri were well beaten by the dominating Crimson Tide. Some GM’s won’t like that. It’s worth noting, Richardson backed up his words on both occasions. He played very well in both games. Perhaps he just needs a supporting cast good enough to back up his chatter?
There are other issues. He was suspended for a game this year for ‘unspecified reasons’, although Edward Aschoff at ESPN reported the following:
Sources close to the program told ESPN.com that Richardson was suspended because he missed a class multiple times and refused to go through the punishment given to him for missing the class.
He’s a former JUCO transfer and also missed spring practice and some of summer camp in 2011 while dealing with the NCAA on eligibility issues. Scouts INC also wrote the following in their report on Richardson: “Mental capacity and maturity level are being closely investigated by NFL scouts.”
Basically, Tim Ruskell probably wouldn’t draft this guy. Other active GM’s in this league might share that opinion. Richardson has the talent to be a top-ten pick, but could he drift into the teens or even the early 20’s due to character red flags? The depth at defensive tackle won’t work in his favor if concerns linger. Any team looking at the position in the top-20 will have multiple options. Even so, it’ll still be a big win for the Seahawks if he does make it to their pick, which appears likely to be in the second half of round one given the current 7-5 record.
And if you’re wondering just how well he fits a defense heavily influenced by Monte Kiffin, consider that he originally committed to USC in 2010. He failed to qualify at Missouri academically and spent two summers at the College of Sequoias in California. It’s during that time he decided to play for the Trojans. The reason? According to reports, he believed Kiffin’s guidance and the system at Southern Cal would best prepare him for the NFL. Eventually he reneged on that decision and chose Missouri. However, having played JUCO football in the state Pete Carroll coached and as a former 5-star recruit, he’s probably a player Seattle’s Head Coach has the inside track on. And if Carroll wants any further advice, I’m sure he’ll be on the phone to Monte Kiffin – who many are touting for a role with the Seahawks following his resignation at USC.
I’ve posted tape of Richardson versus Florida at the top of this piece. For three other games, click on this article and scroll to the bottom.
Check out the explosion off the snap at 2:10 in the video above. That’s elite anticipation and the kind of speed and burst the Seahawks are lacking at tackle. He’s into the backfield before his blocker – Chaz Green – has got out of his stance. Green, if you’re wondering, is a player considered by many to have future first round potential as an offensive tackle. Richardson hits the running back for a huge loss.
At the 2:50 mark, he blocks a field goal – getting a great push off the snap and sticking out an arm to deflect the kick. You can see a good example of his closing speed at 3:23, when he loops back around then initiates contact with a lineman and appears to be stopped. However, he disengages and still manages to hit the quarterback on a diving tackle to force an incomplete pass. Wondering how difficult Florida found it to stop Richardson in this game? Check out the ‘tackle’ by the interior lineman at 5:55 that drew a holding call. And if you want evidence of his work rate and willingness to look for the ball carrier, check his hussle at 6:53 to get the ball carrier down after two Missouri missed tackles.
Getting a player like Richardson in the line-up would enable the Seahawks to create more pressure on early downs, it’d help the LEO become more effective and the increased pass rush would likely increase the number of sacks and turnovers. This is by far the teams biggest need going into the off-season this year. Get a player like Richardson, and this team takes the next step on defense.
Of course, there are always alternatives. This is a deep class for defensive tackles as I mentioned. Plus I just have a hunch the Seahawks will monitor Randy Starks’ situation in Miami. The Dolphins might have to use the franchise tag on Jake Long, making it harder to keep Starks on the roster. He wouldn’t be cheap, but I can’t think of a more precious free agent signing for this team if he hits the market. Addressing this need pre-draft would allow the Seahawks to potentially concentrate on other areas such as linebacker, cornerback, wide receiver, tight end or the offensive line.
On character: One thing I really like about him is that he’s generally a self-aware guy. He’s got an ego, but he was a five-star. Of course he does, but he isn’t monomaniacal.
He talked about being disappointed in his play last year. (He was good, but not enough of a difference maker.) He was flat out better this year.
Oh, and damn Gary Danielson to hell for blowing the “Old Man Football” completely out of any semblance of proportion. Richardson was responding to a question about what he learned about Georgia from watching them against University of Buffalo the previous week. (Georgia kept it vanilla in a closer-than-expected win.) Richardson remarked, “Nothing. They played that ‘Old man football’ so I turned the game off.”
For the record Missouri’s defense played a very good game, holding UGA to about 5 yards per play. Richardson was very good in that game. (Jarvis Jones forced three turnovers in the 4th quarter to set up 17 easy points.)
do you mean megalomaniacal? Personally I think it would be great if all the Seahawks were as borderline monomaniacal about football as Russell Wilson obviously is.
Great article Rob. It really clarifies Pete’s vision for the front four.
Signing Starks would be great because it would eliminate the “need” to draft a 3 technique in round 1, thus leaving the BPA door open for guys like Ogletree, Warmack or if the football gods are kind enough… Brandon Coleman.
As far as him actually hitting the market goes, I’m not so optimistic. Jake Long has not looked like a #1 overall pick this year (or even a first rounder for that matter) and may be done for the season with a torn triceps so he won’t have a chance to turn it around this year. Throw in the $15MM it would take to franchise him, and Long may be the better bet to get out of Miami.
Here’s hoping the Bengals turn back into the prison that players couldn’t wait to get away from, and we can just give a blank check to Geno Atkins… if only…
Yeah, I think the Starks ship may have sailed. They love him there and Jake Long is almost certainly out the door.
Starks wouldn’t come cheap and I have a concern over cap space for the Hawks. I know number 15 will have a new salary, or should. I wonder if there will be an attempt to trade? Hmmmm
Rob, great writeup and spot on. The other 3-tech FA with pass-rush ability is Henry Melton of the Bears. Both he and Starks were 3-4 round picks, with Melton coming off his rookie deal, and Starks off his second contract having been drafted by he Titans. Both will be expensive but are perfect fits for the role. I really think the FO has been looking for their “Starks” in past drafts, taking Howard in Rd 4 last year. Scruggs has outplayed him to date though. Reality is that most lineman peak in strength at 27-29 yrs old, so development time is typically necessary. That’s why if they want an immediate impact, the FO probably needs to spend the money for Starks or Melton, while continueing to spend mid round picks looking for the next guy to replace them. What do you think of Ra’Shede Hageman of Minnesota? Red shirt junior who could declare for the draft. Not as polished or mature as Richardson, but perhaps more potential. At over 6’5″ and 300 lb he’s longer, and also faster. Ex-tight end who penetrates the backfield very quickly. Hell, Cable may want to convert him to offensive tackle.
I’ve not seen any Minnesota tape this year but I’ll request some Hageman video so I can check him out. Thanks for the tip.
Rob, do you think Jesse Williams fits the scheme? What if you had Williams play NT and Mebane play the three tech? Alabama has a ridiculous stat of just giving up 2.8 yards per carry and 79.7 yards per game. Needless to say that is the lowest in the nation. I also saw Williams play fullback on offense, on a short carry for a touchdown in that game against Georgia. I think that might be something that the Seahawks could use in a short yardage situation. He also brings a lot of nastiness to the line.
Mebane wasn’t too effective in the three previously, which is why they moved him back. Branch’s size is ideal for the nose so I think if they wanted to use Mebane in the three, he’d be doing it by now. I like Williams and I think he has some untapped potential. He’s still new to the game really and learning his way. I think he’ll ultimately be at his best as an orthodox 3-4 end, but I wouldn’t completely rule him out for Seattle. Not yet anyway.
I have developed into a big Jesse Williams fan. I really didn’t expect to see much from him, but every time I looked at him, I liked him more. I find he has some really exceptional qualities that make him an excellent fit for Seattle. I’ll comment more in depth when Rob gets a crack at him first
Richardson is a worthy first round prospect. He consistently plays with good to even great leverage. You don’t see guards getting under him often. He has a very good first step. Has a great initial burst that he uses to provide initial push. Extremely athletic and moves exceptionally well in space.
Appears to diagnose plays very well. Outstanding in pursuit.
A few things I don’t like about him:
While he gets great initial push, if he doesn’t slither off the block, he loses that advantage very quickly. Suggesting he has issues with strength. The fact is he uses great speed and initial momentum to launch himself violently at a blocker but doesn’t have power to gain exceptional advantage on blockers. They almost always recover from his initial burst. Obviously, if he were to improve this aspect he would be exceptional at the NFL level. But at this point, he doesn’t transition from the initial burst to put opposing linemen into a dire position.
Also, another indication of faltering power is the rarity in which he is able to get his hands up to bat passes down when he is clearly stonewalled. I watched two full games and never saw him get his hands up once. This is an aspect to a 3 tech that is generally required at the NFL level.
That lack of strength is apparent too when teams run straight at him. He gets good leverage but just gets forklifted out of the hole when double teamed. Also, if the rush is at or near him he tends to be unable to make a play when engaged. He gets good leverage but I think he tends to lose track of the play when he has to take on power blocks.
When he is pass rushing, he looks like he is just short of really dominant. He could easily develop into that and it happens all the time. It happened with Cortez Kennedy here. Richardson has such a great initial burst that if he learns how to play off that he could be ridiculously good.
Richardson also shows an ability to play in a 2 point stance and on the rare occasions where he stunted outside from that stance, he showed really good leverage and lean. He could very easily transition to a pass rush end when Irvin takes over the Leo. He looks like he has the flexibility to play both the 3 and Irvin’s current role.
Richardson looks capable of eating up blockers and generally can force a standoff when taking the run. His ability to play with proper leverage is extremely consistent and he doesn’t ‘play on roller skates’. Despite the evidence that his power game is incomplete at this stage, his ability to play with proper technique is still very very sound.
I know Darnell Dockett isn’t the most popular guy amongst Hawks fans, but, I love Dockett’s game and that is who Richardson reminds me of. People are gonna love to hate him. Fits the Hawks mentality perfect. Let em hate.
I still like Kawaan Short a lot, despite the warts.
Good shout on Dockett – they have that same attitude. Seattle needs some more of that.
Rob,
Hate it when you’re right. Great argument for Sheldon Richardson. Though I’m not a fan of going DT with our first pick, being that it is a deep group (and I’m sold on Ogletree), if by chance Richardson does fall to us (which I hope we wouldn’t trade up for), I’m more comfortable with the choice.
Tony Pauline recently added that Ertz and Toilolo are considering staying for next year, any thoughts on TE positions moving forward? Does UW’s Seferian-Jenkins start moving up the ladder?
ASF will be a top-15 pick in 2014 without doubt. If Ertz returns he won’t be doing his stock any real value. I’d be surprised if that happens, but Pauline has good sources.
Kevin – Ogletree’s team gave up 350 yds. rushing to Alabama. How can anyone be sold on a guy who plays an integral role in a defense that does that? It wasn’t like he was on the sidelines for half the game. The guy is incredibly athletic and shows flashes of brilliance, but his brilliant play on some downs IMHO makes his supporters overlook the fact that on a lot of plays, he’s just not there when he should be.
You’re always looking at potential with college guys. Very few give you high level productivity AND consistency. Add to that, Mark Richt’s Georgia teams are somewhat notorious for not always playing up to the talent level and probably 4 (maybe 5) starters on Alabama’s offensive line will eventually start in the NFL. Still, lots of UGA guys get to the NFL and ball out. So, I wouldn’t say that the SEC Championship game should shut the door on Ogletree as a #1 selection for Seattle. (I’m not advocating, but a good case can be made.)
Dave – I can’t argue with you that you have to look at potential when you look at college guys. But, you’ve got to ask yourself what happened in the Alabama game. When I watched the game, I saw lots of plays where Ogletree was totally dominated by Alabama’s offensive line and, while they have an outstanding line, I don’t think that the lines that Ogletree would be facing in the NFL would be any easier to play against.
This is the problem with making judgements on stats. Was Ogletree a significant issue in Alabama running for 350? I’d argue not. It’s a bit like saying… well is Dee Milliner any good because Alabama gave up a lot of yards in the pass game vs Texas A&M? The answer would be yes – he is still all that. There were other reasons why they had issues in that game. It wasn’t on Milliner. And this wasn’t on Ogletree.
Hard for me to understand that how a guy plays at MLB isn’t a significant issue when talking about an opponent gaining 350 yds. on the ground. There’s no doubt that Ogletree made some outstanding plays, but then there are all those other plays … IMHO, you hit the nail on the head where elsewhere you said that you see him playing OLB for the Seahawks. To me, his talents, his speed, his explosiveness fit the OLB and I think he was overpowered at times playing against Alabama at MLB. I vote for Richardson or some other high-motor DT with pass rushing skills as our #1 pick.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=splhbHdcKMY&feature=plcp
Phil, I highly recommend you watch this. I’m not sure how you place so much blame on Ogletree when the D line was non existent.
The Georgia defensive line was consistently DESTROYED in their 1 on 1 matchups, and that LB core had no chance with so many linemen getting to the 2nd level. I’m sorry but your argument just reeks of someone who is going off stats alone.
Colin – No need to watch highlights. I watched the whole game and I watched Alabama’s OL destroy Georgia’s DL and I watched Alabama’s RBs consistently getting to and then through the Georgia LBs. So, it’s not like I woke up the following morning, read the stats in the paper, and then concluded that there was something deficient with Ogletree’s performance.
I was really impressed with the hit he put on at the goal line — not often you see a guy go pretty much alone, head-to-head with the RB in the hole and then drop him like Ogletree did. But, I also saw lots of plays where he was engaged by an offensive lineman and was totally overwhelmed.
As I’ve said, his athleticism is impressive and if someone drafts him with the idea of moving him to OLB, I’m sure that his playmaking will impress. But, I’m not joining the group of fans that think that we should use our #1 pick on the guy.
Colin – I watched the entire game live — I didn’t just watch highlights of Ogletree’s performance, or wake up the following morning and read stats in the newspaper.
I’m just not one of the group of fans who think that the Seahawks ought to use their #1 pick on him. I think we have a greater need in the DL than at LB.
I’m not sure anyone even expects him to play MLB at the next level. He’s a pure OLB playing in a different scheme in college than the one he’ll play at the next level. I didn’t see anything other than the usual Alabama dominance up front as the reason why they ran for 350lbs. He wasn’t even being asked to fill holes at the line against the run. It’s not his job.
Words can not express how bad I want Sheldon Richardson and Alec Ogletree. I think I’d have to take Richardson though, he’s a clear need for this team, and would add another element of attitude to this team (on the defensive line, where it is somewhat lacking). I like what I’ve seen from Malcolm Smith so far and think that Ogletree isn’t needed as desperately.
Agree. Smith is a beast of an athlete with good intangibles. If only he could stay on the field!
Rob,
I think there’s a mistake in your diagram of the 4-3 under front. The 1 tech DT should be at the A-gap between the center and the other guard (offense RG), rather than between the center and the LG in the diagram. The left DE should be outside shade of the RT, between the RT and the TE (which was not shown), rather than at the B-gap between the RT and RG in the diagram.
FWIW, the Seahawks seemed to be playing a lot of 4-3 over front rather than under front this season. I do agree, though, that an elite 3-tech DT is needed for 4-3 defense, whether it’s under-front or over-front variety.
Yes the DT is slightly too much to the right. However, it was a crude diagram done on paint and once I’d worked out how to duplicate the circles… I really couldn’t be bothered to go back and change it.
This is a really good blog. Love the work.
My Way too early mock
1) S Richardson,DT,Mizzou
2) D Hopkins, WR Clemson
3) G Hodges, OLB, Penn State
4) X Nixon, OT, Florida
5) N Robey, CB, USC (we need a slot cb built low to the ground that can change directions with guys like Welker and Amondola, tall guys are not but struggle against speed slots)
6) Ray Ray Armstrong,S/OLB, EX-Miami
7) L Reed, TE, New Mexico
UDFAs: Dustin Hopkins, K, Florida State
Davonte Hollomon, S/OLB, S Carolina (big safety probably inline for a move to olb)
Way, way too early, but: If the draft fell out this way, a lot of people should be happy. Kind of a little bit for everyone here, just from observing the thoughts of some that have made suggestions and recommendations on various seahawk websites and cbssports.com ratings (which will probably change, especially in the first round or three).
Rd. 1—-DT-Sheldon Richardson, 6-3, 295, Missouri (replacing DT-Branch)
Rd. 2—-TE-Zack Ertz, 6-6, 252, Stanford (replacing TE-Moore)
Rd. 3—-WR-Markus Wheaton, 6-0, 182, Oregon St. (replacing WR-B. Edwards)
Rd. 4—-CB-Tyrann Mathieu, 5-9, 175, LSU (replacing Trufant at slot CB)
Rd. 5—-OT-Alrx Hurst 6-6, 332, LSU (replacing Breno G.) (isn’t there another 5th coming – Curry trade?)
Rd. 6—-OLB-Zavier Gooden 6-2, 230, Missouri (replacing OLB-Hill)
Rd. 7—-CB-Sanders Cummings, 6-1, 216, Georga (more tall/long depth at DB)
Rd. 7—-K-Dustin Hopkins (from T-Jack trade), 6-2, 190, Florida St. (new kicker needed?)
UDFA:–QB-Matt Scott, 6-2, 198, Arizona (2-nd in PAC-12 to Barcley? he’s mobile & can pass and run.)
I’d be very happy with a draft like this, but it’s all conjecture at this point being so damn early.
That is one the best Pete guy’s I’ve seen you list here. That guy is made for our defense mentally and physically. High energy, brash, bold, very active, with tons of physical ability. I hope this guy is on John Schneider’s radar. I’d even like to see Seattle trade up a few slots to get him.
Rob, I personally like the idea if signing Glenn Dorsey and using the pick to draft someone else, maybe BPA… Thoughts
Not a huge fan of Dorsey, it’s never really worked for him in the NFL. If they sign Randy Starks instead, then I’m game.
Dorsey has crossed my mind as well. He’s miscast as a 3-4 end, I’d like to see what he could do when he moves back to his natural position of a 4-3 tackle. He’s worth a flyer, he didn’t go #5 overall for no reason
Rob – I think Richardson would be a great pick for the Seahawks. Thanks for the explanation of why PC is so adamant about using Red at DE. I understand it now — but it sure does limit our pass rushing ability.
I’ve been critical of Ogletree ever since the Alabama game because Georgia gave up 350 yds. on the ground with him on the field. What are your thoughts? Do you have any second thoughts about pushing a guy who flashes brilliance but (at least statistically) doesn’t seem effective for an entire game?
I have no issues with Ogeltree’s display at the weekend. In fact, I thought he was generally superb. The rushing yards were much more a product of ‘Bama’s brilliance. Barrett Jones and Chance Waramck were superb up front. They were churning out solid gains at the LOS every play. Considering I’d want Ogeltree to play OLB in Seattle, I’m not asking to do a lot of hole filling up front. I want him in coverage, playing some pass rush and being instinctive. And if he does have to play the run, well he’s the first 230lbs linebacker I’ve seen stop Ed Lacy at the goal line in a 1vs1 situation.
What about the run defense? It has deteriorated dramatically over the course of the year for no very obvious reason. (Chancellor’s numbers are down but that can’t be the key reason.) Pete is likely to prioritize that.
Why has the run defense fallen apart?
It was pretty good against Chicago. Teams have found ways to scheme against us there e.g. the traps by San Fran.
Rob- Does the amount of draft stock the Hawks would likely have to give up to get Richardson (top-15 pick) dissuade you at all, or is he that perfect for their system that you’d have no problem giving up a 3rd (or even a 2nd) to get him?
At the moment I’m just highlighting prospects that fit Seattle’s scheme. I’m not sure what range he’s likely to go. Would I be willing to move up for him? Possibly. We’ll see how the process plays out. There are more guys in this draft I like for the Seahawks than any of the last few drafts.
It’s impossible to really tell.
Obviously John has seen first hand how moving up to get a guy you really want can be completely worth it. Green Bay selected BJ Raji 5 or 6 picks after we selected Aaron Curry in 2009. They then watched a guy they liked slide some, and moved back up into round 1 to select Clay Matthews.
Green Bay is a team notorious for wanting a lot of picks. But they bucked that trend for a guy they thought was worth it.
New England did the same in last years’ draft. DE was considered a deep position but they had their sights set on Chandler Jones. They didn’t merely accept taking what might have been left over. They targeted their man and moved up to get him, despite the assurance that they would have had multiple good DE prospects available had they not traded up.
Today, both moves are unquestionably great moves. This front office has shown that they definitely target guys they really like. And have already shown the willingness to draft ahead of grade in order to get them. So I think it’s not unlikely that we will see John move up for the right prospect if needed.
I’ll have to watch some more tape of Richardson, but my initial impression on this watching was not overly great. I felt he struggled to win enough of his one-on-one matchups, although he made some really big plays. Good bull rush, but seems to struggle shedding blockers, especially in the run game.
Hey guys, just wondered whether William Gholston (Michigan) is entering the draft this year? I remember him from the NCAA-some years ago, and thinking he would be an interesting prospect at DE and 6’7.. I haven’t had much chance of following the College ranks given the fact that i live in Denmark.
The NCAA-game*
What is the chance do you think that we pick up Sheldon Richchardson with our first because he has character concerns and then we pick up Alec Ogletree with our second because even though he runs a 4.4 at the combine, he weighs 225 lbs. How unlikely is this scenario Rob?
I can’t see Ogletree lasting until round 2, let alone the bottom of round 2. Size will not be a concern for 4-3 teams, and even if it were, UGA lists him at 232 lbs, and I’m sure he could add a little weight to his 6’3″ (21 year old) frame if need be.
It would be awesome to get both of those guys, but it’s just not gonna happen without a fairly significant trade up.
Ogletree will be a gonner by pick 20 next April. Book it.
I agree with Atylla on the strength issue with Richardson and it looks like he gets too high some times. But man is he light on his feet for a guy that big. And he can run too.
Not sure why, but I thought of Shaun Rogers when I was watching him. I remember a Cleveland game where Rogers leaped over someone and was airborne, flat out like he was flying. It was only a millisecond, but it was an amazing move for a man that big.
Biggest thing about Richardson is his non stop motor. There are very very few D-tacks in the NFL that are willing to play that hard all game long. And that makes me worry about his long term durability. But that along with his amazing quickness and agility makes him remind me of Warren Sapp more then Sue (although the chasing guys down is a lot like Sue).
Watching the first few minutes of the footage I saw Richardson just get stonewalled by that big guard for Fl, but that the same guy he eventually ware down and got past in the second half and thats impressive.
Overall I don’t see much strength from Richardson and that’s something to be worried about as well as his weight. But his athletic play and motor are impressive.