College: Baylor

Height: 6’4” 3/4

Weight: 329 pounds

Strengths

Core strength:  Richardson possesses an extremely thick,  muscular bottom half that allows him to anchor very well against a bull rush.  With a low center of gravity he was often impossible to budge by defensive tackles.  The Baylor website claims Richardson can squat 665 pounds.

Explosive lower body:  A strong lower body translates well to the running game also.  Richardson explodes out of his stance and shows a violent streak when blocking for his running backs.  Furthermore,  he appears to have no problems pulling from one side of the line to the other.

Instincts:  Richardson picks up stunts from opposing defensive ends easily and is always aware of other defenders around him on delayed blitzes.

Weaknesses

Athleticism:  Despite being incredibly strong in his lower half,  Richardson is not particularly athletic and it shows when he needs to get to the second level.  Firstly,  he is slow in getting to the second level but he tries to compensate by leaving first-level blocks early which have a negative impact on the play.  Secondly,  in the passing game he does not have any speed to recover if baldy beaten on a play.

Disastrous pre-daft process: With Baylor turning in another successful season,  many seen Richardson as one of the key cogs to a stunning offense.  However,  since the season came to an end and the pre-draft process has taken over,  Richardson has been dreadful in almost every area.  During the Senior Bowl Richardson was dominant in run blocking drills but struggled with lateral movement in the passing game.  Pittsburgh’s Aaron Donald dominated him all week to the point of embarrassment.  The NFL Combine was next and with it another poor showing.  This time Richardson mustered just 25 reps on the bench press and a 5.36 40-yard dash.

NFL Comparison: Mike Iupati,  San Francisco 49ers

Like Iupati,  Richardson will win in the NFL with raw strength by locking onto defenders and putting them on their back.  Both are frightening run blockers and,  like Iupati,  the former Bear will have to improve his pass protection once in the NFL.

Draft Outlook

Richardson has certainly slipped down the majority of draft boards due to the pre-draft process getting the better of him.  Nevertheless,  he is still likely a second or third round talent.

Best Fits

Buffalo never replaced Andy Levitre after losing him last off-season and Richardson could plug and play Week 1.  Other potential suitors are the Jets,  Jaguars and Vikings