2012 NFL Draft: Trent Richardson Scouting Report

Player: Trent Richardson
Position: Running Back
School: Alabama
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 224-pounds

Positives: Insane ability to bounce of tacklers, thick and strong in entire body, Nicknames are “The Beast” and “The Freak” in the weight room — 650 pound squat, 475 pound bench — great agility, good at finding cutback, always accelerates through hold hard and falls forward, played in against top competition in SEC, holds the ball high and tight, great breakaway speed to finish off long runs, refuses to get tackle in backfield and approaches every run like it’s the last of his life.

Negatives: Not used much in the passing game, could work on blocking, might be a shorter than listed, best performances came against weaker defenses, never really got to carry the full load before this year.

Draft Grade: Top 10

Overview: In today’s NFL, there are two evolving themes…more passing with multiple receiver formations, and running backs by committee. Teams can effectively run the ball with one primary running back, but since RBs have such short shelf life in the pros a solid #2 option is a must. With that said, the former ‘Bama standout could go to any number of teams. Richardson has all the tools to be an every down back in the NFL or in a split back system. Either way, expect multiple 1,000 yard seasons, and a powerful downhill runner who will always fight for yards.

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