The Pittsburgh Steelers first of two fifth round picks in the 2014 NFL Draft has been made and it’s Arizona CB Shaquille Richardson.
Report via NFL.com.
OVERVIEW
2013: Started all 13 games. Second on team with 3 INTs. 2012: Played in 13 games, starting 11. Led team with 14 PBUs. Had 1 INT. 2011: Played in 10 games, starting all 10. Led team with 4 INTs. 2010: Played in 13 games, starting 3. Recorded 2 INTs at Washington State in first career start. High School: No. 26 CB nationally (Scout).
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Quick and agile and is aggressive jumping routes when he sees it. Can make spectacular plays look easy — produced one of the most sensational highlight-reel plays of the season vs. Oregon when he acrobatically tipped the ball back into play to a teammate for an interception on the first play and closed the game with an interception of his own vs. Marcus Mariota to key a surprise upset. Outstanding pro day workout, posting a 4.43-second 38 1/2-inch vertical jump and 6.95-second three-cone drill time, indicating good speed, agility and explosion.
WEAKNESSES Very lean build. Tends to squat on routes. Lacks eye discipline to sort out run-pass reads — is late to locate the ball and support the run. Benched in 2012 for lapses in coverage and needs to become more consistent recognizing/supporting the run and securing open-field tackles. Marginal physicality. Character will invite close scrutiny — was arrested on suspicion of felony theft as an incoming freshman and released from UCLA program.
DRAFT PROJECTION Rounds 6-7
BOTTOM LINE A lean, leggy, underdeveloped press corner who has shown big-time flashes but must prove more consistent in coverage, a greater willingness to tackle and more maturity than he demonstrated early in his career to be given an opportunity to compete.
