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An offensive lineman. A big offensive lineman. A big angry offensive lineman. A big angry offensive lineman that has some mobility.
You like? I think you do. I like it, too. Will the New York Giants like it?
Antonio Richardson played left tackle for the Tennessee volunteers at 6-foot-6, 330 pounds. Let's use today's 2014 NFL Draft prospect profile for a closer look.
Pros
- Powerful initial punch fully capable of knocking the opponent backwards.
- Footwork is above average for his size. Takes smaller steps to position himself to adjust well.
- Competitive and a team leader. Nasty on-field disposition
- Athleticism is pretty solid. Will get upfield on screens and run blocking well.
- Frame is ideal. Body fat kept under control. Mountain of a man.
Cons
- Waist bender. His biggest issue by far. It's why he loses leverage.
- Slow off the snap at times with his kick slide.
- Struggles against some speed rushers.
Does He Fit With The Giants?
Yes, absolutely. He is likely a right tackle in the league because he has some issues waist bending and with speed rushers in my opinion. I also think he's a bit too tall to really mash it up inside, because the DTs he'll face will have lower centers of gravity. That doesn't mean he doesn't have upside to play left tackle or at guard, he just needs to develop a bit more, that's all. He's got the athleticism to play left tackle, just not the technique yet. He's got the nasty demeanor to play inside, just not the technique yet.
Prospect Video
Tennessee OL vs Missouri (2013) (via DCheeseB)
Big Board Rankings
Big Blue View - 23
Mocking The Draft - 25
CBS Sports - 53
Draft Countdown - 33
Draft Tek - 31
Final Thoughts
The big board rankings are pretty much congruent right now for "Tiny" Richardson. Everybody assumes that because he's a big bodied tackle, he's D.J. Fluker. They are quite different. Richardson has better footwork, more athleticism than Fluker, but less sheer brutality and power in run blocking.
I'd actually compare Richardson more towards Cordy Glenn, who was a beefy guy in his own right. Glenn is the better prospect of the two, he was more of a knee bender and could mirror better than Tiny, but Tiny is close. I think that late-first round projection seems about right for Richardson, but given how deep this class is, he could be available in the second round when the Giants pick. He should be quite high on their board at that time.
