 The Patriots selected Stanford defensive back Jordan Richards in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft. (USA TODAY Images) |
Name: Jordan Richards
Position: Defensive Back
School: Stanford
Selected: Round 2, Pick 64
Height: 5'11
Weight: 211
Strengths:
- Team captain and defensive leader
- Known as a "coach on the field", High football IQ
- Productive, Three-Year Starter
- Willing tackler in run support, good pursuit
Weaknesses:
- Limited range in pass coverage
- Out of comfort zone in man coverage or deep safety
- Despite understanding assignments of his teammates, struggles to diagnose opponents route combination and can be late to react
Expert's Takes:
"Richards is a very smart safety. This is a bit of a reach for the Patriots; maybe two rounds early." -- Daniel Jeremiah
"Richards has enjoyed a productive career for the Cardinal, racking up post-season all-conferences honors after each of the past two seasons. He has good agility and gets his hands on a lot of passes (22 PBUs over his career) but must do a better job of fighting through blocks and making reliable tackles in the open field to overcome his lack of ideal size." -- Rob Rang
Analysis:
The Jordan Richards selection caught many by surprise. NFL(dot)com had Richards as a sixth or seventh round projection, classic Belichick.
From this viewpoint, this was a bad move. It's all about the "V" word, value. This was very reminiscent of the Tavon Wilson pick several years ago. It's not a knock on the player himself, rather where he was selected.
Secondly, the position is questionable. And what does this say about Duron Harmon and Tavon Wilson? Two back up safeties Belichick selected too early in past drafts that are currently back ups. New England addressed the interior defensive line, but guard, cornerback, running back and wide receiver all seemed like bigger needs.
Nevertheless, we'll have to wait and see how Richards plays out. By all accounts, the Stanford product is an outstanding person. Smart, polished and mature. A team captain and started for three years. Interested to learn more about him over the next few days.
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