In the first round of the 2012 NFL draft, the Cleveland Browns selected former Alabama Crimson Tide running back Trent Richardson with the No. 3 overall pick. Cleveland traded up one spot, swapping picks with the Minnesota Vikings and giving up three other picks to get their man. Richardson was seen as a top-5 selection in most projections leading up to the draft.
2012 NFL Draft Results: Alabama RB Trent Richardson Selected By Cleveland Browns With 3rd Pick
Bill Hanstock is a writer, author and Emmy Award-winning producer. He began writing for SB Nation in 2011.
Here’s what Mocking the Draft had to say about Richardson prior to the draft:
Power: Arguably the strongest running back in the nation, which makes him hard to take down on first contact. Easily works through lazy tackles and often requires more than one player to take him down. When Richardson is running down hill with his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage, he’s strong enough to just power over defenders. Richardson is a workout warrior who’s weight room ethic translates to the field. According to reports, Richardson can bench press 465 pounds and “easily” squat 600 pounds.
Speed: According to some timed reports at Alabama, Richardson runs in the 4.4 range. More importantly, he plays up to that speed. Most fast running backs need an open lane to get up to speed. Not Richardson. His high-end speed comes as immediately as any running back the past few years.
Vision: Displays good patience behind the line of scrimmage to wait on a hole to develop. When there isn’t one, Richardson is smart enough to try and get to the outside. Consistently keeps his legs moving after contact and has the power to extend plays a few yards. Because of that, Richardson will be able to take the ball in short-yardage situations. Likes to engage contact. That served Richardson well in college, but may not in the NFL.
For more information about Richardson and the Alabama Crimson Tide, please visit Roll ‘Bama Roll. For lots more on the 2012 NFL draft, please visit Mocking the Draft. You can learn more about Richardson by watching the video below.
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