Trent Richardson
5'11, 224 pounds | Running back | Alabama
Acceleration/burst: As much as Richardson has made his name on being a power back, he's as good of an outside runner. He gets to the edge before most back-seven defenders. Accelerates quickly, as shown as a junior against Ole Miss. Richardson brought himself to nearly a complete stop to fake out a tackler and immediately burst back up field and into the end zone.
Elusiveness: If a zone-blocking team wanted a one-cut runner, Richardson could fit the bill. That's not to say he's limited to that scheme, however. It's a testament to his vision and footwork. He's agile enough to juke even the quickest of defenders. Was used as a sophomore on kick returns, where he took one 91 yards for a touchdown.
Trent Richardson 2012 NFL Draft scouting report
Pass blocking/catching: Richardson is adequate as a pass receiver. He was used more on swing plays as a junior, and is a good check-down option in the short-to-middle area. Still coming along as a pass blocker. The tools will there, the repetitions are not.
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.
Final word: When reviewing Richardson’s game, it’s hard to find negatives. He’s a complete running back in every sense and would be the rare running back worth an early first-round pick. He finished his junior season with 1,679 yards rushing with 21 touchdowns. He also caught 29 passes for 338 yard and three more scores.
One concern that could be made against Richardson is that he split carries throughout his career at Alabama. Following this year’s national title game, Tide head coach Nick Saban also admitted Richardson wore down in some games during the year. He also struggled through a knee injury and other small injuries as a sophomore.
