Finally a CB

Shaquille Richardson out of Arizona 6'0 188lbs.

Positives


Excellent size and length allows him to match up against any receiver. His arm length is above average as well, helping defense passes even when he’s not in ideal positioning.


As a zone specialist, Richardson has the strength and ability to win at the line of scrimmage. More consistency is needed in his technique, but the tools are there.


Good ball skills when he keeps his eyes on the quarterback. The zone coverages that Arizona’s defense utilizes didn’t have Richardson turn his back and run with the receiver often, but he showed the ability to trigger from backpedalling to exploding back to the ball on curl routes.


Maintains good gap integrity against the run, filling his lane and pushing the running back toward a teammate or the sideline.
Efficient tackler who uses good form. Stays low to stop the running back from falling forward.


Smooth athlete considering his size, so he can play man coverage occasionally. His hips are fairly clean, so a move to safety isn’t necessary.


Gained a lot of experience at Arizona, starting 24 games and playing in 36 total in his four seasons. He also played on special teams, giving him another way to impact an NFL roster immediately.

Negatives


The scheme he played in limited the opportunities for him to cover receivers downfield, so this could be due to ability or possibly just the scheme.


While playing off coverage, he stays too far off his man on underneath and intermediate routes. He doesn’t need to give more than a few yards of cushion when downfield if he’s athletic enough to stay with his receiver. Richardson needs to get more aggressive and stay on the hip of receivers more consistently.


He showed the ability to press at the line of scrimmage, but his technique needs improvement to play in Cover 2 more often. He needs to punch the receiver right at the snap and disrupt the timing of routes, then direct the receiver to wherever the next zone is.


Although he had a good 2013 season, his 2012 showed a much less consistent performer. He gave up big chunk plays after blowing coverages, but that was his first season starting, and he did improve as a senior.

 

The main sense I get from this guy is that the tools are there, and he's shown good development in college. Lake should see him good.

 

Lake recruited him at ucla before he was kicked out due to an arrest. Hope he's got his stuff together by now because he has potential upside.

 

I just watched some film on this dude, and it is very plain to see that he hates contact!!! He offers practically no run support at all, does not know how to tackle. I hate to say this, but, we are really in big trouble with this so called CB. He won't make it through training camp , in my opinion.

 

I hope you're wrong and Richardson isn't another Terry Hawthorne from last year's draft.

 

What is the news on Hawthorne? I know nothing outside from the draft last year and a little from camp. Haven't heard a thing.

 

He's not with the team or in football period to my knowledge

 

Lake likes him so we'll see.

 

I seem to remember another tall receiver with this organization that hated contact but loved to handle guns.

Bman

 

he'll need some work, but who does he remind you of with his length? not quite as fast as a guy from a small school in Louisiana, but good speed and length. not quite as raw as ike either coming in. needs a little aggression added to his game.

 

Ok, so are you guys thinking that Ike is the starter again this year?

 

Is that directed at my question or at the fact that Ike is starting again?

And, since I am not overjoyed about Ike being the starting CB again this year, what do you guys think? Am I being too negative?

 

they may even switch ike to the #2 receiver instead of the other teams top guy if cortez is healthy.

 

I think Ike will do better this year because I don't think they will have him shadowing the other team's #1 anymore.

 

This. I really think Cortez is a player and will surprise a lot of folks when he's not dinged up all year. Ike can still be a serviceable #2 or #3 corner.

 

A little Arizona love. Bear Down!!!

 

ike responds when challenged. if it's his final year, he will want to go out with the best he has to offer. he's a worker.

we have 3 vets at corner, we will be OK at that position. it's a different team than last year and a lot more speed gong to be on this defense. ALOT.

my concern as I said when the schedule came out was starting off slow. putting new parts on the field takes time to meld together. this D will be even different than last year with new players at new positions. those first 6 weeks will be crucial.