Player Profile: Cyril Richardson

Height:  6'5
Weight:  343
School:  Baylor
Position:  Guard
Ranking:  #4 Guard
Projection:  Day 2

Strengths
-Experienced.  Three year starter with over 40 starts in his career
-Accomplished.  2013 Unanimous All American
-Has played both left tackle and guard for the Bears
-Massive size that can be used to overwhelm defenders and tough to move off his spot
-Good length (33 7/8") that allows him to keep defenders off his body
-Uses strength to push defenders off spot and open holes in the run game
-Surprisingly good athletic ability for somebody his size.  Used to pull and trap block
-Light on his feet which is rare for somebody his size
-Strong punch that will knock back defenders
-Plenty of potential for improvement.  Still growing within the game
-Will show the nasty side you want out of interior offensive lineman
-Durable.  No major issues during Baylor career
-Has succeeded despite facing a lot of personal adversity with being a Katrina refugee

Weaknesses
-Is he too big?  Can he control his weight at the NFL level.  Would he be better at 315-320?
-Doesn't always finish blocks.  Will either get beat or stop blocking
-Inconsistent pad level.  Will get too high in his blocks which causes him to get beat
-Has trouble makes blocks in the open field.  Will whiff and miss blocks
-Inconsistency.  Will look great one play and awful the next
-Balance.  Tends to lunge which gets him beat
-Lacks good lateral movement needed on pass protection.

Summary
After finishing a year where Cyril Richardson was named a unanimous All American and helped pave a way for one the most dynamic rushing attacks, there is a lot to like about him.  Richardson is a massive man who for his size is very nimble and moves around well.  He's a beast in the run game where he uses that size and good strength to move defenders off the ball and open up running lanes.  Richardson has also shown the ability to pull down the line and have success. But Richardson does have some big flaws, mainly in pass protection.  He does a great job of getting set up and delivering a strong punch.  However his lateral movement isn't very good and he often will get beat by counter moves or quicker defenders.  With the NFL being a passing league this could hurt his ability to go high.  Richardson is likely a right guard in the NFL and will be at his best in a power man blocking scheme.  Look for him to go somewhere in the late second to early third.