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UPDATE: Paul Richardson is the 2nd round pick of the Super Bowl Champion Seahawks
Paul Richardson has had a long and windy road to the NFL Draft. He was dismissed from UCLA in June of 2010 and shortly after he committed to Colorado. He finished 2010 and 2011 with average numbers for a receiver due to youth and inexperience (first half of 2010 season) and injury (2nd half of 2011 season) but his performance against Cal (11 catches for 284 yards and 2 TDs) coupled with the teams 2012 hopes made Richardson one of the most exciting juniors to watch for the 2012 season. Unfortunately, a torn ACL injury in spring drills abruptly ended Richardson's hopes of being amongst the top receivers in the country. He rehabbed tirelessly and progressed quickly enough that there was talk of his availability midway through the 2012 season. However, former coach Jon Embree and Richardson made a very wise and easy decision during a lost year for the Buffs and he spent the remainder of the season practicing and using a redshirt season.
He finished 2013 with 83 receptions for 1,343 yards and 10 touchdowns. He finished his career with 13 receptions over 50 yards and is the receptions leader at the University of Colorado with 83. He sits second on the touchdowns list (after Scotty McKnight). Saying that Richardson had the greatest season for a receiver in Colorado history is far from a stretch, it's accurate.
The main questions for whoever drafts Richardson will be his health and his lack of size (170-175 lbs is small for a wide receiver at the pro level). His biggest pluses are his ability to weave through defenders, bend his body to make amazing catches, his speed and decent height. Phil and I talked about comparisons to current NFL players earlier today and landed on DeSean Jackson (minus the return skills) or a bigger TY Hilton type. Richardson has the speed and explosiveness to be a solid starter in the NFL and could contribute in year one if he lands in the right situation.
It's going to be great to see another Buffalo in the league, especially one who gave as much as Paul.
