04/30/2012 - A closer look at the Rams' picks: Round 7/252 - Daryl Richardson, RB, 5-10, 192, Abilene Christian...Speed back with explosiveness, Richardson is the brother of NFL players Bernard Scott (Bengals) and Clyde Gates (Dolphins). - The Sports Xchange
Richardson shot up draft boards with a strong pro day workout in early April, posting a 4.46-second 40-yard dash.
"I ran a 4.35 last week during training, so I came in here expecting to go 4.3 seconds so I'm a little bit disappointed in my time," Richardson told the Abilene Reporter-News.
Analysis
Positives: Possesses very good straight-line speed, explosiveness and lateral agility to elude. Has some jitter-bug in him to make defenders miss in tight quarters. Good vision and patience to set up downfield blocks and is a natural with the ball in his hands. Soft hands out of the backfield. Can twist to make the touch catch, tuck the ball away and get moving upfield without losing momentum. Natural third down candidate. Good bloodlines; the younger brother of former Abilene Christian stars (and current Cincinnati Bengal) running back Bernard Scott and Clyde Gates (2011 Miami Dolphins' fourth round pick.
Negatives: Lacks the bulk to be more than a change-of-pace back. Limited power as an interior runner and offers little in terms of pass protection. Carries the ball too loosely. Immature. Is used to being a big fish in s amll pond and may struggle acclimating to the expecations that come with being an NFL player. May struggle handling an NFL playbook.
