The Running Back Conundrum (Richardson Thread)
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Is Trent Richardson Trying To Tell Us Something?
by Ryan Van Bibber • Apr 6, 2012 8:35 PM CDT
Is Trent Richardson trying to tell us something? Or is the Alabama running back just throwing a little more fuel onto the pre-draft smoke screens?
After tweeting his plea on Friday afternoon to bring back the Cleveland Browns' old logo, the Brownie. Later on Friday, he tweeted again, this time sending out a single photo to his multitudes of followers.
That's one of the new, standard issue Nike "draft caps" that will be handed out to this year's draft class. Of course, this being Nike and the NFL, the merchandise is already for sale.
Richardson would be a useful addition to the Browns offense with the fourth pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, especially if they opt to stick with Colt McCoy at quarterback and provide him some additional offensive skill players to work with this season.
On the other hand, some might make the case for the Browns to go a different direction with the fourth pick. There are several very good running back prospects that Cleveland could nab with the 22nd pick or even their second-round pick.
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Well then... that pretty much sums it up for me...
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On nfl.com they post tweets from players and this morning I found one from Trent Richardson. Richardson tweeted, "Love the brownie mascot. Bring back the elf". This may be Richardson realizing he is going to be drafted by the Browns and wants to generate some positive PR for himself or maybe he is sincere.
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who wouldn't want to move up higher in the draft with positive PR and a good nut washing? if 'tweeting' (faggish) is all it takes nowadays to get yourself ahead in this world then i'm way behind the times.
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I'm just bringing them to you as I find them... http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2012/04/07/sports/nh5334081.txt?viewmode=fullstory
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Sports
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Jeff Schudel: Taking Trent Richardson makes sense for Browns
Published: Saturday, April 07, 2012
By By Jeff [email protected]@jsbrownsinsider
If the Browns pass on Trent Richardson and take Justin Blackmon with the fourth pick on April 26, they should be able to get the second-ranked running back on their draft board when they pick 22nd.
If they pass on Blackmon to take Richardson, the next two wide receivers will also likely be picked before the Browns draft again, which means the best the Browns could hope for would be the fourth-best receiver, possibly Stephen Hill from Georgia Tech.
That might seem like an argument for taking Blackmon, but it is just the opposite. Richardson not only would be the best player available after quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III plus tackle Matt Kalil are picked; Richardson would fill a priority need for the Browns.
Some analysts believe Doug Martin from Boise State is the second best running back in the draft. Others say it is David Wilson from Virginia Tech, but most agree a Grand Canyon-sized talent gap exists between Richardson and the rest.
Richardson is arguably the most NFL-ready player in the entire draft along with LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne.
Yes, the West Coast offense the Browns tried to use last year is a pass-oriented offense, but is just offensive if there is no running threat as the Browns demonstrated when Peyton Hillis went off the reservation.
When Browns president Mike Holmgren coached Seattle to the Super Bowl in 2005, Shaun Alexander carried the ball 370 times for 1,880 yards and 27 touchdowns for the Seahawks.
Coincidentally, Alexander, like Richardson, went to Alabama. Holmgren picked him 19th in the first round in 2000. Alexander was 5-foot-11, 225 pounds. Richardson is 5-foot-9¼, 228 pounds.
The Browns did not put up much of a fight to keep Hillis before free agency hit — an indication they have other plans at running back that go beyond rotating Montario Hardesty, Brandon Jackson and Chris Ogbonnaya during the 2012 season.
Holmgren and General Manager Tom Heckert have repeatedly said they have to get better support for Colt McCoy. That means improving running back, wide receiver and the offensive line. They haven't helped McCoy at all in free agency, which means the help has to come in the draft.
"It's my job to get better players surrounding him," Heckert said last month in a conference call with season ticket holders. "After the season, we said we have to protect him better. We have to be able to run the football, which we did at times last year. If you look at the games when we ran well and protected well, Colt played very well."
Heckert will not be influenced by draft analysts, but those analysts can't even agree on which wide receiver is the best in the draft. Most have Blackmon ranked No. 1, but Gil Brandt of NFL.com has Michael Floyd of Notre Dame ranked first among receivers.
That debate doesn't exist at running back, and I disagree with those who say that because Adrian Peterson hasn't taken the Vikings to a Super Bowl the Browns would be wrong to take a running back fourth. The Vikings took Peterson seventh in 2007. The Falcons used the next pick on end Jamaal Anderson and the Dolphins used the next pick on wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr. I'd say the Vikings got the right guy.
"(Richardson) is probably the best running back in the draft this year and probably one of the best players in the draft," Alabama coach Nick Saban at Richardson's pro day workout last month. "That's based on his performance and his production and the consistency that he's played with and the personal characteristics that he has."
Richardson did have arthroscopic knee surgery in January, but that doesn't seem to be a concern. The 2011 season was his first year as the Crimson Tide feature back. He set a school record with 1,679 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns, and that was when everybody in the SEC knew Richardson was going to get the ball. He caught 29 passes as a junior in 2011.
"Extremely physical, fearless and determined with a wicked stiff-arm," says the scouting report in the Pro Football Weekly Draft preview. "Has power in his body and knows how to use it. ... Can barrel through the line and create his own hole. ... Plays big on big stages and keyed victories over Texas and LSU in national championship game. ... Very capable blocker capable of decelerating unsuspecting blitzers. ... Can pick and slide and piles up yardage after the catch."
Yes, the Browns need wide receivers, but they can be found in later rounds. Heckert just has to know where to look. The Steelers found Mike Wallace in the third round in 2009 (the year the Browns drafted Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi in the second round) and they found Antonio Brown in the sixth round in 2010.
The Browns have never used a top-five pick on a running back. Richardson could be the first. They did use the sixth pick on a running back once and that worked out pretty well. That was in 1957 when they drafted Jim Brown.
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I'm just bringing them to you as I find them... http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2012/04/07/sports/nh5334081.txt?viewmode=fullstory
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Sports
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Jeff Schudel: Taking Trent Richardson makes sense for Browns
Published: Saturday, April 07, 2012
By By Jeff [email protected]@jsbrownsinsider
If the Browns pass on Trent Richardson and take Justin Blackmon with the fourth pick on April 26, they should be able to get the second-ranked running back on their draft board when they pick 22nd.
If they pass on Blackmon to take Richardson, the next two wide receivers will also likely be picked before the Browns draft again, which means the best the Browns could hope for would be the fourth-best receiver, possibly Stephen Hill from Georgia Tech.
That might seem like an argument for taking Blackmon, but it is just the opposite. Richardson not only would be the best player available after quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III plus tackle Matt Kalil are picked; Richardson would fill a priority need for the Browns.
Some analysts believe Doug Martin from Boise State is the second best running back in the draft. Others say it is David Wilson from Virginia Tech, but most agree a Grand Canyon-sized talent gap exists between Richardson and the rest.
Richardson is arguably the most NFL-ready player in the entire draft along with LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne.
Yes, the West Coast offense the Browns tried to use last year is a pass-oriented offense, but is just offensive if there is no running threat as the Browns demonstrated when Peyton Hillis went off the reservation.
When Browns president Mike Holmgren coached Seattle to the Super Bowl in 2005, Shaun Alexander carried the ball 370 times for 1,880 yards and 27 touchdowns for the Seahawks.
Coincidentally, Alexander, like Richardson, went to Alabama. Holmgren picked him 19th in the first round in 2000. Alexander was 5-foot-11, 225 pounds. Richardson is 5-foot-9¼, 228 pounds.
The Browns did not put up much of a fight to keep Hillis before free agency hit — an indication they have other plans at running back that go beyond rotating Montario Hardesty, Brandon Jackson and Chris Ogbonnaya during the 2012 season.
Holmgren and General Manager Tom Heckert have repeatedly said they have to get better support for Colt McCoy. That means improving running back, wide receiver and the offensive line. They haven't helped McCoy at all in free agency, which means the help has to come in the draft.
"It's my job to get better players surrounding him," Heckert said last month in a conference call with season ticket holders. "After the season, we said we have to protect him better. We have to be able to run the football, which we did at times last year. If you look at the games when we ran well and protected well, Colt played very well."
Heckert will not be influenced by draft analysts, but those analysts can't even agree on which wide receiver is the best in the draft. Most have Blackmon ranked No. 1, but Gil Brandt of NFL.com has Michael Floyd of Notre Dame ranked first among receivers.
That debate doesn't exist at running back, and I disagree with those who say that because Adrian Peterson hasn't taken the Vikings to a Super Bowl the Browns would be wrong to take a running back fourth. The Vikings took Peterson seventh in 2007. The Falcons used the next pick on end Jamaal Anderson and the Dolphins used the next pick on wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr. I'd say the Vikings got the right guy.
"(Richardson) is probably the best running back in the draft this year and probably one of the best players in the draft," Alabama coach Nick Saban at Richardson's pro day workout last month. "That's based on his performance and his production and the consistency that he's played with and the personal characteristics that he has."
Richardson did have arthroscopic knee surgery in January, but that doesn't seem to be a concern. The 2011 season was his first year as the Crimson Tide feature back. He set a school record with 1,679 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns, and that was when everybody in the SEC knew Richardson was going to get the ball. He caught 29 passes as a junior in 2011.
"Extremely physical, fearless and determined with a wicked stiff-arm," says the scouting report in the Pro Football Weekly Draft preview. "Has power in his body and knows how to use it. ... Can barrel through the line and create his own hole. ... Plays big on big stages and keyed victories over Texas and LSU in national championship game. ... Very capable blocker capable of decelerating unsuspecting blitzers. ... Can pick and slide and piles up yardage after the catch."
Yes, the Browns need wide receivers, but they can be found in later rounds. Heckert just has to know where to look. The Steelers found Mike Wallace in the third round in 2009 (the year the Browns drafted Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi in the second round) and they found Antonio Brown in the sixth round in 2010.
The Browns have never used a top-five pick on a running back. Richardson could be the first. They did use the sixth pick on a running back once and that worked out pretty well. That was in 1957 when they drafted Jim Brown.
I'm just bringing them to you as I find them... http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2012/04/07/sports/nh5334081.txt?viewmode=fullstory
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Please take them back as quick as your posting them as your getting very tedious now, I to want us to draft Richardson as like you I do see him being an incredible addition to the Browns one in which any other bust in this draft will be long forgotten about. But please pull back on the love fest it makes me throw up in my mouth everytime I notice you've posted again.
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Do not ruin the thread with personal attacks. Either post something about the subject matter or join another thread and do your bashing there.
Link: http://theonsidekickpodcast.wordpress.com/2012/04/07/2012-nfl-draft-player-profile-trent-richardson/
2012 NFL Draft Player Profile: Trent Richardson
April 7, 2012
By: Ricky Widmer
There seems to be no disagreements that Trent Richardson of Alabama is the best running back going into the 2012 NFL Draft. Of course, the last image many football fans have of Trent Richardson was that exciting BCS National Championship game where he ran for 96 yards in the 21-0 win over LSU. Richardson had a very nice junior year at Alabama with 1679 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. I am going to break down Trent Richardson and discuss his strengths and weakness. Then, I might surprise you when I say which NFL team will bag the #1 running back in the 2012 NFL Draft.
When looking at Trent Richardson, his biggest strength is his size, bulk, and build. Richardson is explosive, powerful, and even balanced. Upon doing some research on Trent Richardson, some people have said that Richardson is the best running back in the draft since Adrian Peterson (7th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft). This might be true, but Richardson is a very different type of runner than Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings. I say this because I see Richardson as a “between the tackle” kind of runner. Because of his patience while running, Richardson is one of the best when it comes to waiting for the hole to open and then exploding through the hole. Also, he has the ability to use his size, bulk, and build to power through defenders and can break tackles better than any running back in the 2012 NFL Draft. That’s not all as his size and build can help with his blocks as he gets under the blitzer to get leverage. Richardson can also be used in screen plays especially on third-downs. His only weakness is that he needs a good blocking scheme in front of him to make the most out of his rushes. He has the talent to make plays on his own, but because of his patience he will rush more effectively if there is a good blocking scheme ahead of him. Remember that at Alabama Trent Richardson ran behind a very experienced offensive line.
Who will land Trent Richardson? I believe Richardson will be a top-5 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. With the first two picks already figured out and the Minnesota Vikings at 3rd overall not needing a running back, I feel it comes down to the Cleveland Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There is no doubting that both of these teams would love to have Trent Richardson on their roster. The Browns are in need of many things going into the 2012 NFL Draft and the running back position is one of them. With the loss of Peyton Hillis to free agency, the Browns do need a running back that has the talent to step right in and be the starter. However, they also need a cornerback and a quarterback. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not in as big of need at the running back position as the Cleveland Browns because they do have LeGarrette Blount, but they would take Trent Richardson if he was still available at the 5th pick overall. In my opinion, I see Trent Richardson going to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 5th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. The reason I say that is because I personally see the Cleveland Browns selecting Ryan Tannehill with the 4th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. I feel like the Browns will think and talk over the options of Tannehill and Richardson, but will come to the decision that the teams needs a leader for the offense and someone who can run the offense. Also, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could either use Trent Richardson as a everyday back or as a third-down back behind LeGarrette Blount.
The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one. -Mark Twain- "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." -Mark Twain- -
Cleveland Browns
Update: Trent Richardson impostor flirts with idea of playing for Browns
By Nate UlrichPublished: April 7, 2012
Someone posing as Alabama running back Trent Richardson has been using Twitter this week to make it seem as if the real draft prospect has been flirting with the possibility of playing for the Browns.
The account -- @trentrich03 -- has more than 16,000 followers, but is fake, according to Josh Maxson, an associate communications director for the University of Alabama's athletic department.
"It is not real," Maxson wrote in an e-mail to the Beacon Journal. "Trent does not have a Twitter (account) and isn't planning on getting one."
The tweets from the impostor have become topics of conversation on Cleveland sports talk radio and the blogosphere.
I was a victim of this prank, too, because I posted messages from the fake account on this blog earlier today. After some of my Twitter followers mentioned they thought it might be a fraud, I sought a definitive answer. I apologize to all of my readers for creating any confusion.
The real Richardson, a candidate to be picked fourth overall by the Browns on April 26, reportedly visited the team earlier this week.
Here are some tweets from the fake account that got Browns fans riled up:
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
Had a great time in Cleveland. Its in God's hands now
4 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
S/o to everyone in Buc Nation! It was nice to be back in Florida
5 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
Not gonna lie, Pewter & Red a nice combo. Florida love
5 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
Love the brownie mascot. Bring back the elf
6 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
twitpic.com/96jeny
6 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
Got no idea where I'm gonna be next year. Just a hat I got on my visit
6 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
My favorite color Brown, no pun intended
7 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
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Damn Imposters!
I didn't think he had an account...Oh well, still hopeful that the FO makes the right decision...
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Cleveland Browns
Update: Trent Richardson impostor flirts with idea of playing for Browns
By Nate UlrichPublished: April 7, 2012
Someone posing as Alabama running back Trent Richardson has been using Twitter this week to make it seem as if the real draft prospect has been flirting with the possibility of playing for the Browns.
The account -- @trentrich03 -- has more than 16,000 followers, but is fake, according to Josh Maxson, an associate communications director for the University of Alabama's athletic department.
"It is not real," Maxson wrote in an e-mail to the Beacon Journal. "Trent does not have a Twitter (account) and isn't planning on getting one."
The tweets from the impostor have become topics of conversation on Cleveland sports talk radio and the blogosphere.
I was a victim of this prank, too, because I posted messages from the fake account on this blog earlier today. After some of my Twitter followers mentioned they thought it might be a fraud, I sought a definitive answer. I apologize to all of my readers for creating any confusion.
The real Richardson, a candidate to be picked fourth overall by the Browns on April 26, reportedly visited the team earlier this week.
Here are some tweets from the fake account that got Browns fans riled up:
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
Had a great time in Cleveland. Its in God's hands now
4 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
S/o to everyone in Buc Nation! It was nice to be back in Florida
5 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
Not gonna lie, Pewter & Red a nice combo. Florida love
5 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
Love the brownie mascot. Bring back the elf
6 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
twitpic.com/96jeny
6 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
Got no idea where I'm gonna be next year. Just a hat I got on my visit
6 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
My favorite color Brown, no pun intended
7 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
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Damn Imposters!
I didn't think he had an account...Oh well, still hopeful that the FO makes the right decision...
Cleveland Browns
Update: Trent Richardson impostor flirts with idea of playing for Browns
By Nate UlrichPublished: April 7, 2012
Someone posing as Alabama running back Trent Richardson has been using Twitter this week to make it seem as if the real draft prospect has been flirting with the possibility of playing for the Browns.
The account -- @trentrich03 -- has more than 16,000 followers, but is fake, according to Josh Maxson, an associate communications director for the University of Alabama's athletic department.
"It is not real," Maxson wrote in an e-mail to the Beacon Journal. "Trent does not have a Twitter (account) and isn't planning on getting one."
The tweets from the impostor have become topics of conversation on Cleveland sports talk radio and the blogosphere.
I was a victim of this prank, too, because I posted messages from the fake account on this blog earlier today. After some of my Twitter followers mentioned they thought it might be a fraud, I sought a definitive answer. I apologize to all of my readers for creating any confusion.
The real Richardson, a candidate to be picked fourth overall by the Browns on April 26, reportedly visited the team earlier this week.
Here are some tweets from the fake account that got Browns fans riled up:
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
Had a great time in Cleveland. Its in God's hands now
4 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
S/o to everyone in Buc Nation! It was nice to be back in Florida
5 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
Not gonna lie, Pewter & Red a nice combo. Florida love
5 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
Love the brownie mascot. Bring back the elf
6 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
twitpic.com/96jeny
6 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
Got no idea where I'm gonna be next year. Just a hat I got on my visit
6 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
Trent Richardson@TrentRich03
My favorite color Brown, no pun intended
7 Apr 12 Reply
Retweet
Favorite
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Damn Imposters!
I didn't think he had an account...Oh well, still hopeful that the FO makes the right decision...
Well he doesn't use twitter so I like him that much more. If he doesn't use facebook I'm just about sold. Like I said earlier or in a different thread if he can bring Brownie back, along with the lack of a twitter account I'll do a cannonball onto the Richardson bandwagon.
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I still say its real...way to many private photos and the boarding pass...unless its his cuz or something....plus why would Alabama AD know he doesn't have an account...what if you have a twitter or facebbok account you have to tell the school...probably the AD is the imposter
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Do not ruin the thread with personal attacks. Either post something about the subject matter or join another thread and do your bashing there.
Link: http://theonsidekickpodcast.wordpress.com/2012/04/07/2012-nfl-draft-player-profile-trent-richardson/
2012 NFL Draft Player Profile: Trent Richardson
April 7, 2012
By: Ricky Widmer
There seems to be no disagreements that Trent Richardson of Alabama is the best running back going into the 2012 NFL Draft. Of course, the last image many football fans have of Trent Richardson was that exciting BCS National Championship game where he ran for 96 yards in the 21-0 win over LSU. Richardson had a very nice junior year at Alabama with 1679 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. I am going to break down Trent Richardson and discuss his strengths and weakness. Then, I might surprise you when I say which NFL team will bag the #1 running back in the 2012 NFL Draft.
When looking at Trent Richardson, his biggest strength is his size, bulk, and build. Richardson is explosive, powerful, and even balanced. Upon doing some research on Trent Richardson, some people have said that Richardson is the best running back in the draft since Adrian Peterson (7th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft). This might be true, but Richardson is a very different type of runner than Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings. I say this because I see Richardson as a “between the tackle” kind of runner. Because of his patience while running, Richardson is one of the best when it comes to waiting for the hole to open and then exploding through the hole. Also, he has the ability to use his size, bulk, and build to power through defenders and can break tackles better than any running back in the 2012 NFL Draft. That’s not all as his size and build can help with his blocks as he gets under the blitzer to get leverage. Richardson can also be used in screen plays especially on third-downs. His only weakness is that he needs a good blocking scheme in front of him to make the most out of his rushes. He has the talent to make plays on his own, but because of his patience he will rush more effectively if there is a good blocking scheme ahead of him. Remember that at Alabama Trent Richardson ran behind a very experienced offensive line.
Who will land Trent Richardson? I believe Richardson will be a top-5 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. With the first two picks already figured out and the Minnesota Vikings at 3rd overall not needing a running back, I feel it comes down to the Cleveland Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There is no doubting that both of these teams would love to have Trent Richardson on their roster. The Browns are in need of many things going into the 2012 NFL Draft and the running back position is one of them. With the loss of Peyton Hillis to free agency, the Browns do need a running back that has the talent to step right in and be the starter. However, they also need a cornerback and a quarterback. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not in as big of need at the running back position as the Cleveland Browns because they do have LeGarrette Blount, but they would take Trent Richardson if he was still available at the 5th pick overall. In my opinion, I see Trent Richardson going to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 5th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. The reason I say that is because I personally see the Cleveland Browns selecting Ryan Tannehill with the 4th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. I feel like the Browns will think and talk over the options of Tannehill and Richardson, but will come to the decision that the teams needs a leader for the offense and someone who can run the offense. Also, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could either use Trent Richardson as a everyday back or as a third-down back behind LeGarrette Blount.
Do not ruin the thread with personal attacks. Either post something about the subject matter or join another thread and do your bashing there.
Link: http://theonsidekickpodcast.wordpress.com/2012/04/07/2012-nfl-draft-player-profile-trent-richardson/
2012 NFL Draft Player Profile: Trent Richardson
April 7, 2012
By: Ricky Widmer
There seems to be no disagreements that Trent Richardson of Alabama is the best running back going into the 2012 NFL Draft. Of course, the last image many football fans have of Trent Richardson was that exciting BCS National Championship game where he ran for 96 yards in the 21-0 win over LSU. Richardson had a very nice junior year at Alabama with 1679 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. I am going to break down Trent Richardson and discuss his strengths and weakness. Then, I might surprise you when I say which NFL team will bag the #1 running back in the 2012 NFL Draft.
When looking at Trent Richardson, his biggest strength is his size, bulk, and build. Richardson is explosive, powerful, and even balanced. Upon doing some research on Trent Richardson, some people have said that Richardson is the best running back in the draft since Adrian Peterson (7th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft). This might be true, but Richardson is a very different type of runner than Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings. I say this because I see Richardson as a “between the tackle” kind of runner. Because of his patience while running, Richardson is one of the best when it comes to waiting for the hole to open and then exploding through the hole. Also, he has the ability to use his size, bulk, and build to power through defenders and can break tackles better than any running back in the 2012 NFL Draft. That’s not all as his size and build can help with his blocks as he gets under the blitzer to get leverage. Richardson can also be used in screen plays especially on third-downs. His only weakness is that he needs a good blocking scheme in front of him to make the most out of his rushes. He has the talent to make plays on his own, but because of his patience he will rush more effectively if there is a good blocking scheme ahead of him. Remember that at Alabama Trent Richardson ran behind a very experienced offensive line.
Who will land Trent Richardson? I believe Richardson will be a top-5 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. With the first two picks already figured out and the Minnesota Vikings at 3rd overall not needing a running back, I feel it comes down to the Cleveland Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There is no doubting that both of these teams would love to have Trent Richardson on their roster. The Browns are in need of many things going into the 2012 NFL Draft and the running back position is one of them. With the loss of Peyton Hillis to free agency, the Browns do need a running back that has the talent to step right in and be the starter. However, they also need a cornerback and a quarterback. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not in as big of need at the running back position as the Cleveland Browns because they do have LeGarrette Blount, but they would take Trent Richardson if he was still available at the 5th pick overall. In my opinion, I see Trent Richardson going to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 5th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. The reason I say that is because I personally see the Cleveland Browns selecting Ryan Tannehill with the 4th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. I feel like the Browns will think and talk over the options of Tannehill and Richardson, but will come to the decision that the teams needs a leader for the offense and someone who can run the offense. Also, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could either use Trent Richardson as a everyday back or as a third-down back behind LeGarrette Blount.
So we have Thomas and Mack. Then...Lavauo and Pinkston and no one at RT... So, our interior line is probably below average in the league and we have no RT. According to the article T. Rich needs great blocking to succeed between the tackles (he is not going to run over many DTs, DEs or LBs in the NFL). I just dont see us being effectively able to utilize Richardson without spending numerous high picks on our O line as well. If he is not going to have success between the tackles then we might as well wait until the 2nd or 3rd round to pick a RB to adequately take us through this season and next without having to worry nearly as much about our #4 pick being injured...
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The point is, Who the fuck cares if every muthafucking position is filled with the perfect player. This is an ONGOING PROCESS!!! We can take our Runningback NOW and then continue to build this muthafucker the rest of the way the rest of the way! God damnit, why is this so hard to understand? We will not have another chance to take an ELITE FUCKING RUNNINGBACK like Richardson for a long, long time... and do you know why? Because, runningbacks like Richardson only come around once in a blue moon. Lineman, QB's, DB's and WR's are there for the taking EVERY FUCKING YEAR!
For all the doubters and naysayers and people who think I'm fucking crazy, here this:
According to Mark Sessler of NFL.com, the Cleveland Browns are showing interest in one of the most controversial prospects in the entire 2012 NFL Draft. Vontaze Burfict was once a top 15 prospect for the upcoming draft before a poor combine showing and weak interview process pushed him back to a second or third day selection.
The Browns currently have thirteen draft picks at their disposal and it is not surprising that they would be willing to take a risk on a huge upside player. Burfict has had plenty of issues throughout the draft process and has even been labeled undraftable by some of the top experts in the league.
However, on-field production speaks louder that interviews and in some cases it is worth the risk on a young player with great talent. Burfict was a dominating linebacker at Arizona State and imposed his will week after week with a stellar run defense. Burfict had 40 solo tackles in 2011 and compiled seven tackles for a loss combined with five sacks.
The Browns would be in a good position to draft Burfict because of the current state of the defense and the fact that they already have an established middle linebacker in place. Burfict would have the opportunity to sit behind D'Qwell Jackson for the next few seasons and hopefully develop into a player that can be productive. It is that type of player that teams hope for late in the draft because of a weakened talent pool.
According to Sessler's article "The Browns have shown interest in drafting Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict, multiple sources told told ESPN Cleveland on Tuesday. "(Burfict) would be a late-round value pick""
Cleveland will likely be looking for additional linebackers in the later rounds of the draft due to injury concerns and age factor. Burfict will be one of the most controversial picks of the entire NFL draft, but could be a diamond in the rough for a team willing to risk adding him to their club.
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I've been calling for Vontaze and Minnifield since the get go, along with Trent...
Trent Richardson
Best WR/OL
Best OL/WR
Chase Minnifield
Vontaze Burfict
Read em and weep boys....
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are you gonna post every irrelevant writers musings that agree with your viewpoint? a fan-writer sourcing an nfl.com guy saying we're interested in the biggest disappointment in this years draft?
40 tackles? sounds like a fucking monster to me...
are you gonna post every irrelevant writers musings that agree with your viewpoint? a fan-writer sourcing an nfl.com guy saying we're interested in the biggest disappointment in this years draft?
40 tackles? sounds like a fucking monster to me...
Maybe. Are you ever going to write a complete and correct sentence?
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Here's an article from another "irrelevant" writer named Steve Doerschuk, chocobo, you fuckface.
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By Steve Doerschuk
CantonRep.com staff writer
Posted Apr 11, 2012 @ 03:01 PM
The ex-Browns have an All-Pro in their backfield in Ray Rice.
A leading draft analyst thinks Trent Richardson could become the current Browns’ Ray Rice.
“They’re comparable,” Pro Football Weekly’s lead draft scout, Nolan Nawrocki, said in a national conference call today. “Richardson is bigger and obviously has more strength. Rice runs lower to the ground.”
The 5-foot-8, 212-pound Rice was a Round 2 steal in 2008 who led the NFL in yards from scrimmage in 2011.
The 5-foot-9, 228-pound Richardson is rated behind only Andrew Luck and Morris Claiborne on the Pro Football Weekly draft board. Nawrocki sees Richardson as an obvious fit for the Browns at No. 4 overall.
“In terms of toughness,” Nawrocki said, “they don’t come much tougher than Ray Rice or Trent Richardson.”
When The Repository asked Nawrocki if it is obvious that Richardson would be preferable, on a talent level, to Pittsburgh’s feature back, 2008 Round 1 pick Rashard Mendenhall, Nawrocki didn’t hesitate.
“To me, coming out of college, Mendenhall was too soft,” Nawrocki said. “I think he’s shown it in the NFL. I never thought he was a great fit for that division. I’m not sure he has a future in Pittsburgh.”
Nawrocki said Richardson’s future is bright — and starts now.
“There’s a good chance Trent Richardson is going to be rookie of the year,” Nawrocki said, “no matter what team he goes to.”
The well-connected Nawrocki has been making the rounds through the league as draft anticipation builds.
“I talked to a GM this morning who said he thought there will be more busts across the board than in any draft in recent years,” Nawrocki said. “The big reason teams are going to overdraft on need and on hype.”
Browns fans have digested a line of thinking that the Browns will take Richardson or wideout Justin Blackmon if they stay at No. 4 overall. Nawrocki is extremely suspicious of Blackmon as being worth that price.
“To me, Richardson grades out considerably higher than Blackmon,” Nawrocki said. “There are GMs who have graded him in the second round ... they do not believe he has the speed after watching every stitch of tape on him in the last two years.
“He’s not especially physical, and he’s not a blazer.”
Nawrocki cited “red flags” as to Blackmon’s maturity, including “concerns raised to me recently.” One that stood out: Rather than taking a charter flight back to school after Oklahoma State’s bowl win over Stanford ...
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Are you THAT jealous of me that you REFUSE to listen to any sound reasoning that I propose? It seems that if I stated the world was round, you'd say something stupid like a child would, something like, "Nahuh, it looks flat to me, you's a dummy!"... Dude, really?
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Here's Jon Gruden's take on Cleveland going to Richardson...hmmm, sound familiar?
Link: http://www.espncleveland.com/common/more.php?m=49&post_id=884
ESPN analyst Jon Gruden says Trent Richardson a better pick for Browns over Justin Blackmon
Apr 11, 2012 -- 12:17pm
By Tony Grossi
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Add Jon Gruden to the Trent Richardson bandwagon.
The former NFL coach, ESPN analyst and good friend of Mike Holmgren held a conference call today. I asked him if Cleveland is committed to supporting quarterback Colt McCoy, which player would do it better – Richardson, the running back from Alabama, or Justin Blackmon, the wideout from Oklahoma State.
“The easiest thing to do is turn around and hand the ball to somebody 300 times a year,” Gruden said. “Everybody says, ‘Don’t take a running back. You can get those guys in the fifth, sixth or seventh round. You go try to find Trent Richardson in the fifth, sixth or seventh round.
“He’s a beast. He broke all of Emmitt Smith’s high school rushing records in Florida. I’ve seen him run over people, run around people, he protects the ball, he can catch it, can pick up blitzes. He might be the strongest human being on the planet. I think his weightlifting proves that. He was a team captain of a two-time national championship team.
“No disrespect to Blackmon, but Adrian Peterson and Trent Richardson as prospects kind of remind me of each other. Maybe A.P. had a little bit more home-run speed. But these are punishing, difference-maker backs.
“I think Richardson, with Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly, the history of great backs in Clevealnd, I think that would be pretty neat.
It’s not as if Gruden doesn’t like Blackmon, either.
“If you don’t like Justin Blackmon, you don’t like football,” he said. “There’s not a lot you can’t like about Blackmon. The one thing is I thought he was 6-6, 240 pounds when I watched him. He’s not as big as I thought he was and he didn’t run the blinding time. But he fits any offense. He’s smart, and he’s clutch.”
For the record, Blackmon measured a shade under 6-1 and weighed 207 at the NFL combine.
Later in the call Gruden speculated the Browns would add to McCoy’s supporting cast rather than select Ryan Tannehill or Brandon Weeden to compete with him.
“Obviously, he’s got to continue to get better and I think improving the supporting cast would help any quarterback, let alone Colt.”
Team Richardson= 11,777,246 votes
Other players @ 4= Mary Kay and 11 other armchair QBs...
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