Antonio Richardson, LT, Tennessee, (HT: 6'5¾", WT: 336 lbs)

NFL Comparison: Andrew Whitworth, LT, Cincinnati Bengals

Positives

• Passes the good­ old-­fashioned "eyeball test" with flying colors.
• Intriguing, massive prospect.
• Was good enough as a sophomore at Tennessee to keep Dallas Thomas—a third-­round draft pick in the 2013 NFL draft of the Miami Dolphins—as the Volunteers starting left tackle.
• Nicknamed "Tiny."
• Projects with scheme and concept versatility at the NFL level.
• Has played in both the man-­power (2012) and zone (2013) concepts under different line coaches in consecutive collegiate years.
• Appears a much better prospect in a man-­power scheme.
• Smothering presence that will finish blocks with great motor when starting in good position.
• In the run game, he comes out of his three­-point stance with a great upfield surge and quick first step.
• Generally keeps suitable pad level.
• Has shown amazing agility for a 330­-pound athlete.
• Frequently engages linebackers and second-­level defenders without seeming overmatched in the speed category upon arrival upfield.
• Plays to the whistle.
• Has shown the ability to get downfield and "look for work," helping pave the way for ball-carriers in productive ways completely unrelated to his original assignment.
• Tied for second-most bench reps of 225 at the NFL combine among the 51 offensive linemen in attendance.

Negatives

• Worrisome feet that only flash athleticism in certain, limited capacities.
• Has a tendency to narrow his power base through engagement and fold to overpowering bull-rushers.
• In pass protection, he struggles to own his space.
• Can start engagement from a bad position due to sloppy hand placement.
• Does not possess nearly the power or leg drive evaluators would expect given his size.
• Can get "bowed up" when covered and going head-­to­-head with typically smaller opposing lineman, allowing penetration.
• Shows a tendency to get his feet tangled and lose balance when countering outside speed.
• Has shown notable instances through 2013 of taking bad zone angles and either missing assignments entirely or leaving linemates utterly stranded.
• Can show a tendency to "catch" opposing pass-rushers and give up ground.
• Struggles to gain position as opposed to exploding into engagement and owning the space.
• Susceptible to inside rush moves when anticipating speed and can be a liability for holding calls in these instances.

Personal Notes

• Full name: Antonio James Richardson.
• Born February 24th, 1992.
• Son of Lanny Richardson.
• Majored in communcations while at Tennessee.
• Started all 24 games of his sophomore and junior seasons.
• Former No. 1 high school prospect in the state of Tennessee.
• Per PostandCourier.com's Darryl Slater, he claimed by opposing SEC DE Jadeveon Clowney as being "the best at holding and getting away with it."
• Childhood heroes were NBA stars Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal.
• Quoted as claiming to have battled childhood anger management issues that have now been overcome.
• Generally cited by teammates and coaches alike as a player with great work ethic and leadership skills.

Ratings Chart

Overall

Draft Projection: 1st-2nd Round