Bobby Richardson entered the NFL draft with a 3rd or 4th round grade according to some reports. Unfortunately for him, his dreaded “tweener” status that plagues so many prospects prevented his name from getting called on draft day despite a very successful college career. Richardson was labelled as “too small” for the 4-3 defensive tackle and “not tall enough” to be a 3-4 end. But the Saints may have found themselves a gem in the undrafted rookie from Indiana. The unexpected offseason departures of Tyrunn Walker and Brodrick Bunkley have created a void at defensive tackle and Richardson is making the most of it, gaining snaps with the starters the last two days. So far he’s making the most of his time with the Saints and as Sean Payton has said so many times – it doesn’t matter how you got in the building, it just matters what you do once you get there.
Most intriguing was a quote from an AFC area scout posted on NFL.com:
“He’s a good prospect and with those long arms, that makes him a taller player than his listed height the way we do things. I don’t worry about his fit because everyone runs so many sub-packages now. Just go get a guy with athleticism who can be disruptive. That’s him.”
And that quote tells you how perfect of a fit he is for this defense. First, the ends and tackles in Rob Ryan’s defense are interchangeable, and with Kevin Williams on a snap count there will be a need for heavy rotation. Rob Ryan loves sub packages more than almost anyone and that should give Richardson a great chance at playing time if he is able to make the 53 man roster. Whoever can come in and be active/disruptive will give the Saints valuable replacement snaps. Sounds like Tyrunn Walker, doesn’t it? And I don’t need to tell you how being an undersized defensive tackle worked out for La’Roi Glover.
Granted I am not saying Richardson will become Glover or close to. The point is, forget size, Richardson has a very high motor and he’s a guy that gives the Saints great hustle and pursuit. That’s the perfect guy to have as a sub on 3rd and 6 when your line is getting tired from a long drive. Clearly his 1st team reps suggest he’s already made a very positive impression. Keep an eye on this one.
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