DT, Darryl Richard, Georgia Tech

DT, Darryl Richard, Georgia Tech

Pros: Highly intelligent young man, who has flown under the radar at GT.  His size and strength are ideal as a 2 gap runstopping end, or an end in a 3-4.  Can play well as the overtackle in the 4-3.  Exceptional vs. the double team, and has shown an ability to split the doubleteam on occasion.

Cons: Hesitates after his initial burst off the snap, possibly a conditioning issue, and can dissappear at the ends of game, again, a sign of conditioning.  May not take the brunt of the NFL for long.  Technically sound protecting his LBs in a onegap system, but lack of individual playmaking calls into question his talent vs. the surrounding talent.

Styg's Broncos "fit":    The most underrated player on the Yellowjackets line, he may also be its most legitimate. The complicated attacking scheme has put his linemates high in the draft, where I feel they are overvalued, but Richard's leadership and intelligence, as well as his consistent production and ability to battle double teams as well as any player in the draft out side of the 1st round, make Richard my DT Steal of the Draft. His intelligence can't be rated highly enough in my opinion, and he is a lockerroom leader who gets the most out of his teammates. I have some questions about his conditioning which will be answered at the combine, as well as questions about his reconstructed knee (after freshman season). But in the seventh round I think he is a surefire selection and a huge value. 3 stars in the seventh is going to be very hard to beat, and would make him a consideration even in the sixth.

Around MHR:

SBNation Says:

From "East-West Shrine Rosters" at Arrow head Pride:

Darryl Richard: Georgia Tech (6-4, 290) Projection: 5th Round

A smart, hard working tackle that combines average size with good athleticism and technique.

Highlights

Georgia Tech Playlist on Youtube, with several defensive clips.

Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

• At 6-4, Richard has good size for an interior lineman in the NFL. However, his weight is listed at just 290 pounds. Being light and quick on your feet was important on the Georgia Tech defense, but it will not cut it in the NFL. His former defensive tackle teammate Vance Walker has the same problem. So like Walker, Richard will need to prove that he can put on more weight before he can be effective in the NFL. The good news for Richard is that he has plenty of room to add weight.  [see more...] 
• Fires off the snap low and understands how to get under linemen and play with leverage inside. Is difficult to move off the ball and can really anchor into his stance. Reads and reacts quickly to plays and has a real instinctive feel about his game. Relies on his technique, hand placement and violent rips to shed blocks. A polished defensive lineman in both the run and pass game.  [see more...]
• Defensive Tackle Darryl Richard (Georgia Tech) - With a 6-4 290lb frame, Richard could fly up draft boards due to lack of prospects with the typical 3-4 DE frame. Made a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage in college and is exceptionally quick.  [see more...]