Paul Richardson Bandwagon now boarding....

[micnificent28]

http://youtu.be/BnlKFbW7fZw

 

I mean this guy get's it. great hands and that cant be stated enuff. goes up after the ball and looks smooth after the catch. I'm not sure If he's projected in the late first or second but i wouldn't complain at all to land this guy anywhere. I think he may be a bit underrated coming from the buffalo's and our history with them hasn't been good. but the kid is a baller. someone want to give give me a hand on the embed video that would be great thanks.

 

 

STRENGTHS: Terrific athlete who appeared every bit as agile and explosive in 2013 after missing the entire 2012 season with a torn ACL. Very good straight-line speed making him an excellent option on vertical routes. Savvy route-runner who alters his gait off the line and throughout his route to gain separation from cornerbacks. Sinks his hips and explodes out of his breaks.

 

Generally plucks the ball cleanly out of the air with his hands, securing it quickly. Can track the ball over either shoulder and flashes the ability to dive and haul in the extraordinary catch.

 

Good vision to set up blocks. Good bloodlines. Father, Paul, Sr., played wide receiver in the NFL with Philadelphia, Oakland, Green Bay and the New York Jets.

 

WEAKNESSES: Very slim build and has struggled with durability throughout his career. Doesn't track the ball over his shoulder as well as he should for a receiver who makes his living on big plays. Too often senses the oncoming defender and allows the pass to slip through his fingers. Doesn't offer much as a downfield blocker.

 

COMPARES TO: Emmanuel Sanders, Pittsburgh Steelers - Some will compare Richardson to Sanders' more established teammate Antonio Brown. Until Richardson (and Sanders) catch the ball with more consistency, however, each is likelier to earn more of a complementary role in the NFL despite natural playmaking ability.

 

[Man Strength]

Least impressive wr I've seen.

[TylerVagyler]

How can you watch his highlights and not be impressed?

 

 

Great hands. Can go up and win the jump ball. Top speed makes him a deep threat. Elusiveness after the catch and elite breakaway speed. Leaves defenders in the dust. Reminds me of DJax without the character concerns. He was at captain at Colorado.

 

Would love to grab him in round 2 or 3.

[Cam's New Arm]

Based on all the game film (this threads videos), I've decided I like him as a prospect. It looks as though his game would have no problem translating to the pro game.

 

See ball, go get ball. Touchdown? 

[Riverboat Ron]

What has Richardson ever done to you for you to put him on the ban wagon?

[Pejorative Miscreant]

Least impressive wr I've seen.

Least impressive is an interesting critique. While I'm not completely overwhelmed he does seem to have some pretty good traits. Care to expand?

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Watched about a minute of the clip and realized that he might have the best body control out of any wide receiver in the draft.

When he leaves his feet, he remains just as fluid as when he's on then ground.

It's too late to so research on him, but his tape sure is enticing.

[LinvilleGorge]

I went to 3 CU games last year and absolutely no one stood out. Pretty much the entire opposing team stood out all three times though. They were god awful.

If you were on that CU team, no thanks.

[The Huddler]

fug it I want the RB from Ohio St. Then a LB 2nd round

[micnificent28]

I went to 3 CU games last year and absolutely no one stood out. Pretty much the entire opposing team stood out all three times though. They were god awful.

If you were on that CU team, no thanks.

 

3 games a college career makes?

[Soul Rebel]

Not a fan at all...and I doubt this kid gets taken before the 3rd round. His frame does not look like it will hold up at the next level and I think physical CBs will have their way with him. He's got very small hands for a WR too. I like his speed and think he has the ability to hit a home run and catch lightning in a bottle, but not consistently. Reminds me of a poor mans Mike Wallace.

[Lemory]

Meh id still take a lot of guys over him.

[Double Trouble]

If we take a tackle at 28 I'd consider him at 60...that's around where most mocks have him. And the reason he played at CU is because he got dismissed from UCLA for theft charges, stealing a purse with Shaq Richardson (went to U of A after) and Josh Shirley (went to UW after). 

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Alright I decided to do some research

Personal Background

- Born in Los Angeles

- Ran track in high school

- Dad played wide receiver for the Eagles, Raiders, Packers, and Jets (comes from a good pedigree)

Measurables

- measured at 6'3/8" tall

- only 175 lbs. (rail thin)

- above average arm length 32'5/8" in. (avg is 31 inches)

- below average hand size 8'7"8 in. (avg is 9.5 inches)

- runs a 4.40 forty (NFL WR avg is 4.58)

- great vertical, 38.0 inches (NFL WR avg is 32 inches)... The avg vertical of the top 25 WR's in the NFL is still two inches less than Richardson's.

Intangibles

- Very fluid, one of the most fluid WR's in the draft

- Doesn't body catch often

- Really solid route runner

- Has super long strides to go with his speed

- A great vertical threat

- Leader (was team captain)

Concerns

- Injuries, already tore his ACL once

- Rail thin, weight isn't proportional to his height

- Not a great blocker (DG probably isn't a fan of this)

- Gets outmuscled, has to rely on athleticism

- Gets jammed easily (big concern: you can see this happen in the video, PR still makes the catch though)

- Drops some balls he shouldn't, 9.0 drop rate (rule of thumb is it shouldn't be over 7.0)

WTF Stat

Richardson played his entire senior season at 6'1", 161lbs. To put that in perspective, I'm 5'7", 165 lbs.

Stats

2013: Team Captain, led the team in receptions (83), receiving yards (1,343), and TD's (10). Was First Team PAC-12. Averaged 111 receiving yards per game and 6.9 receptions.

2012: Tore his ACL

2011: 39 receptions for 555 yards and 5 TD's (missed 4 games with a knee injury)

2010: 34 receptions for 514 yards and 6 TD's

- Average Per Scoring Play (2013): 41.8 yards!!!

- Third in CU history in receptions (156)

- Fifth in CU history in yards (2,423)

- Second in CU history in TD's (21)

- Had 9 100 yard+ games and 3 200 yard+ games

- Set or tied 29 school records

- Had back-to-back 20+ reception 200 yard+ games.

- 31% of PR's yards came after the catch in 2013

- Set the CU record for most yards in a game (2011 season) with 284 yards on 11 receptions.

Vs. Tough Competition

vs. Utah (Keith McGill): 4 receptions for 54 yards

vs. Oregon State (Rashaad Reynolds): 5 receptions for 70 yards and 1 TD.

Verdict

Richardson faced two CB's who are expected to be drafted within the first three rounds, both held him significantly under his average. Personally, I feel like he capitalized a lot on weak competition and came down to earth against tougher competition. This kid also needs to put on 20+ pounds while not losing his speed (might not be possible). I believe he is destined to be a slot receiver and very well could have a decent career. His tape and overall height screams Emmanuel Sanders, but his body screams "I'm going to get lit up if I don't put on any weight." To be honest, I wouldn't take a flyer on this guy until the fourth. I'm just to skeptical about his size and no amount of athleticism can make up for that (in reality, he'll be drafted in the third at the very latest).

To Draft Or Not To Draft

If the Panthers have selected a number one WR in the first round and are looking to double-dip, take Richardson if he's available in the third and hope he can put on some weight and stay healthy. The Panthers don't currently have a deep threat and Richardson could provide them with that. If he's not available in the third, no harm; no foul... but do not reach for a player that very well could have an injury riddled career. His measurable's may very well get him drafted earlier than what his overall ability is worth. He's currently slotted as a second round pick and a better prospect than Jordan Matthews (imagine that). Once again though, do not reach for Richardson based on his athleticism and measurable's; he could very well have trouble staying healthy.

Best Case, Worst Case

Best Case: Emmanuel Sanders

Worst Case: David Gettis