http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/jordan-richards?id=2552392
DRAFT ANALYSIS:
"Richards is a very smart safety. This is a bit of a reach for the Patriots; maybe two rounds early." -- Daniel Jeremiah
PRO DAY RESULTS
40-yard dash: 4.59 seconds
Vertical jump: 34 1/2 inches
Broad jump: 9 feet
20-yard short shuttle: 4.32 seconds
STRENGTHS
Team captain and defensive leader. Played some wide receiver in high school. Good hands with ability to make difficult interceptions. Attacks ball at high-point. Moves well as high-low safety. Extended range in run support and doesn't mind the physical side of the position. Has secondary motor for extended pursuit. Good football and personal character. Productive three-year starter.
WEAKNESSES
Displays obvious coverage limitations. Below-average instincts when asked to play deep safety. Slow to see it, with marginal recovery speed. Struggles in man coverage. Grabby at the top of the route and lacks feet to match and mirror. Slow to digest route combinations out of bunch formations. Comes downhill against run quickly, but out of control at times. Needs improvement as a wrap-up tackler.
DRAFT PROJECTION
Round 6 or 7
BOTTOM LINE
A limited, run-support safety whose coverage issues could be an issue for NFL teams looking for diverse safety play. He's a willing tackler who plays with range in run support, but Richards' lack of instincts and ability to stick receivers in space could limit his NFL opportunities.