Cyril Richardson in Good Company

[Mahdi]

Reading through the names of those who have won or been finalists for the awards Richardson won or was nominated for this past year is impressive. Richardson won the Jim Parker award for Best OL in College Football and was finalist for Outland Trophy for best lineman in CFB.

Jim Parker Award:

The Jim Parker Trophy[edit]
Given yearly to the top collegiate offensive lineman. Named for Ohio State great and Hall of Famer Jim Parker.

List of winners

1991 - Greg Skrepenak, Michigan
1992 - Lincoln Kennedy, Washington
1993 - Aaron Taylor, Notre Dame
1994 - Zach Wiegert, Nebraska
1995 - Jonathan Ogden, UCLA
1996 - Orlando Pace, Ohio State
1997 - Aaron Taylor, Nebraska
1998 - Matt Stinchcomb, Georgia
1999 - Chris McIntosh, Wisconsin
2000 - Steve Hutchinson, Michigan
2001 - Bryant McKinnie, Miami
2002 - Brett Romberg, Miami
2003 - Shawn Andrews, Arkansas
2004 - Jammal Brown, Oklahoma
2005 - Greg Eslinger, Minnesota
2006 - Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
2007 - Jake Long, Michigan
2008 - Andre Smith, Alabama
2009 - Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
2010 - Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
2011 - Barrett Jones, Alabama
2012 - Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M
2013 - Cyril Richardson, Baylor




ALL-TIME OUTLAND TROPHY WINNERS

2013 Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh (DT) 6-0 285 Sr. Pittsburgh, Pa.
Finalists: Jake Matthews (Texas A&M OT); Cyril Richardson (Baylor G)

2012 Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M (OT) 6-6 310 Jr. Arlington, Texas
Finalists: Jonathan Cooper (North Carolina G); Barrett Jones (Alabama C)

2011 Barrett Jones, Alabama (OT) 6-5 311 Jr. Memphis, Tenn.
Finalists: David DeCastro (Stanford G); Devon Still (Penn State DT)

2010 Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin (OT) 6-7 327 Sr. Cottage Grove, Wis.
Finalists: Rodney Hudson (Florida State G); Nate Solder (Colorado OT)

2009 Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska (DT) 6-4 300 Sr. Portland, Ore.
Finalists: Mike Iupati (Idaho G); Russell Okung (Oklahoma State OT)

2008 Andre Smith, Alabama (OT) 6-5 330 Jr. Birmingham, Ala.
Finalists: Michael Oher (Mississippi OT); Duke Robinson (Oklahoma G)

2007 Glenn Dorsey, LSU (DT) 6-3 303 Sr. Gonzales, La.
Finalists: Anthony Collins (Kansas OT); Jake Long (Michigan OT)

2006 Joe Thomas, Wisconsin (OT) 6-8 350 Sr. Brookfield, Wis.
Finalists: Justin Blalock (Texas OT); Dan Mozes (West Virginia C)

2005 Greg Eslinger, Minnesota (C) 6-3 285 Sr. Bismarck, N.D.
Finalists: Marcus McNeill (Auburn OT); Haloti Ngata (Oregon DT)

2004 Jammal Brown, Oklahoma (OT) 6-6 313 Sr. Lawton, Okla.
Finalists: David Baas (Michigan C), Alex Barron (Florida State OT)

2003 Robert Gallery, Iowa (OT) 6-7 320 Sr. Masonville, Iowa
Finalists: Shawn Andrews (Arkansas OT); Chad Lavalais (LSU DT)

2002 Rien Long, Washington State (DT) 6-6 302 Jr. Anacortes, Wash.
Finalists: Jordan Gross (Utah OT); Brett Romberg (Miami C)

2001 Bryant McKinnie, Miami (OT) 6-8 343 Sr. Woodbury, N.J.
Finalists: Toniu Fonoti (Nebraska G); John Henderson (Tennessee DT)

2000 John Henderson, Tennessee (DT) 6-7 290 Jr. Nashville, Tenn.
Finalists: Dominic Raiola (Nebraska C); Leonard Davis (Texas OT)

1999 Chris Samuels, Alabama (OT) 6-6 291 Sr. Mobile, Ala.
Finalists: Chris McIntosh (Wisconsin OT); Corey Simon (Florida State DT)

1998 Kris Farris, UCLA (OT) 6-9 295 Jr. Mission Viejo, Calif.
Finalists: Aaron Gibson (Wisconsin OT); Craig Page (Georgia Tech C)

1997 Aaron Taylor, Nebraska (G) 6-1 305 Sr. Wichita Falls, Texas
Finalists: Alan Faneca (LSU G); Jason Peter (Nebraska DT)

1996 Orlando Pace, Ohio State (OT) 6-6 320 Jr. Sandusky, Ohio
Finalists: Dan Neil (Texas G); Juan Roque (Arizona State OT)

1995 Jonathan Ogden, UCLA (OT) 6-8 310 Sr. Washington, D.C.
Finalists: Jason Odom (Florida OT); Orlando Pace (Ohio State OT)

1994 Zach Wiegert, Nebraska (OT) 6-5 300 Sr. Fremont, Neb.
Finalists: Tony Boselli (USC OT); Warren Sapp (Miami DT)

1993 Rob Waldrop, Arizona (DT) 6-2 274 Sr. Phoenix, Ariz.
Finalists: Wayne Gandy (Auburn OT), Aaron Taylor (Notre Dame OT)

1992 Will Shields, Nebraska (G) 6-1 305 Sr. Lawton, Okla.
Finalists: Rob Waldrop (Arizona DT); Willie Roaf (Louisiana Tech OT)

1991 Steve Emtman, Washington (DT) 6-4 285 Jr. Cheney, Wash.
Finalists: Santana Dotson (Baylor DT); Greg Skrepenak (Michigan OT)

1990 Russell Maryland, Miami (DT) 6-2 273 Sr. Chicago, Ill.
Finalists: Joe Garten (Colorado G); Stacy Long (Clemson OT)

1989 Mohammed Elewonibi, BYU 6-4 305 Sr. Kamloops, B.C.
Finalists: Moe Gardner (Illinois DT); Michael Tanks (Florida State C)

1988 Tracy Rocker, Auburn 6-3 258 Sr. Atlanta, Ga.
Finalists: Tony Mandarich (Michigan State OT); Mark Stepnoski (Pittsburgh G)

1987 Chad Hennings, Air Force 6-5 260 Sr. Elberon, Iowa
Finalists: Michael Dean Perry (Clemson DT); Daniel Stubbs (Miami DT)


1986 Jason Buck, BYU 6-6 270 Sr. St. Anthony, Idaho
1985 Mike Ruth, Boston College 6-2 268 Sr. Norristown, Pa.
1984 Bruce Smith, Virginia Tech 6-3 290 Sr. Norfolk, Va.

[Skooby]

Who's that Bruce Smith guy from 1984 ??

[elltrain22]

Basically the only reason he wasn't a day 1 or day 2 pick is b/c he got ate up by Aaron Donald at the senior bowl. He is actually a very good prospect, but there is cause for concern that he doesn't have the quickness & power to matchup against guys like Donald.

My opinion, with coaching & withstanding injuries, he could very easily be a very good player for us.

[Mahdi]

Basically the only reason he wasn't a day 1 or day 2 pick is b/c he got ate up by Aaron Donald at the senior bowl. He is actually a very good prospect, but there is cause for concern that he doesn't have the quickness & power to matchup against guys like Donald.

My opinion, with coaching & withstanding injuries, he could very easily be a very good player for us.

Donald is a very rare player even in NFL molds. 6'0 285 is not something Richardson will see too often and that kind of quickness is special.

We have Richardson to deal with guys like Wilfork, Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, Starks, Pouha etc. Those big guys who were bullying us for years.

[elltrain22]

Donald is a very rare player even in NFL molds. 6'0 285 is not something Richardson will see too often and that kind of quickness is special.

We have Richardson to deal with guys like Wilfork, Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, Starks, Pouha etc. Those big guys who were bullying us for years.

Good point!

[The King]

Donald is a very rare player even in NFL molds. 6'0 285 is not something Richardson will see too often and that kind of quickness is special.

We have Richardson to deal with guys like Wilfork, Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, Starks, Pouha etc. Those big guys who were bullying us for years.

I believe Whaley said the same thing.

[ghz in pittsburgh]

Not sure he's what you look for long term at G. Very slow footed, and that's even with his ideal listed weight of 329lb which is rarely attained.With him, you can forget about pulling stuff, and can be exploited by Kyle William/Aaron Donald kind of guys. There is a reason he's dropped that far. Will need to have a Pat Williams kind of motivation thorughout his career to keep him in NFL.

[stuckincincy]

Not sure he's what you look for long term at G. Very slow footed, and that's even with his ideal listed weight of 329lb which is rarely attained.With him, you can forget about pulling stuff, and can be exploited by Kyle William/Aaron Donald kind of guys. There is a reason he's dropped that far. Will need to have a Pat Williams kind of motivation thorughout his career to keep him in NFL.

Perhaps, but OTOH, he was a 5th rounder, and worth a look for BUF, if only for depth.

[Goobylal]

Basically the only reason he wasn't a day 1 or day 2 pick is b/c he got ate up by Aaron Donald at the senior bowl. He is actually a very good prospect, but there is cause for concern that he doesn't have the quickness & power to matchup against guys like Donald.

My opinion, with coaching & withstanding injuries, he could very easily be a very good player for us.
How much did he get eaten up by Donald? From what I read, Donald had success early, but later was less of a factor. I didn't see the game or tape of it, so I can't say for sure.

[Don't Panic]

This guy is an absolute steal in the 5th round. Period. Not sure how any other argument could be made.

[Night Train]

He was ranked a 2nd rounder in Ourlads and could push for time immediately with that size and finish.

[swiper]

This guy is an absolute steal in the 5th round. Period. Not sure how any other argument could be made.

I was hoping they'd take him in the 3rd. I hope he pans out.

[stuckincincy]

This guy is an absolute steal in the 5th round. Period. Not sure how any other argument could be made.

Well - not a steal. The 8 teams before the Bills picked could have stolen him, but didn't. TB at #143 selected OG Kadeem Martin then MIN selected OG David Yankey at #145.

[swiper]

And to the O.P. When I think of the Outland Trophy I always think of Jim Richter. Our own Outland Trophy winner from 1979.

[ghz in pittsburgh]

He is strong and big. And if he gets his hands on you, it's over.

But in college, there are are weaker links on the line and opposing teams don't need to attack him that much. People say oh this guy plays game better than in practice field; but that can also be a red flag that someone is "lazy", not working on his craft that much and get by with physical ability alone.

Everyone has work to do going from college to NFL. He probably has more - like every 5th round pick. Controlling his weight is probably the first most important task. I'm fairly neutral in this pick. Much depends on his progress from this point on. To say he's better than anyone we have at RG already on roster is far from the truth.

If you go by reputation, I'm much more comfortable at #3 pick who no one loves because I know Whaley himself was started scouting defensive players for the Steelers and credit with a lot of their LB picks and he brought his buddy Fisher over to the Bills as well.

[stuckincincy]

He is strong and big. And if he gets his hands on you, it's over.

But in college, there are are weaker links on the line and opposing teams don't need to attack him that much. People say oh this guy plays game better than in practice field; but that can also be a red flag that someone is "lazy", not working on his craft that much and get by with physical ability alone.

Everyone has work to do going from college to NFL. He probably has more - like every 5th round pick. Controlling his weight is probably the first most important task. I'm fairly neutral in this pick. Much depends on his progress from this point on. To say he's better than anyone we have at RG already on roster is far from the truth.

If you go by reputation, I'm much more comfortable at #3 pick who no one loves because I know Whaley himself was started scouting defensive players for the Steelers and credit with a lot of their LB picks and he brought his buddy Fisher over to the Bills as well.

I'm not getting this "if he gets his hands on you, it's over"? He dropped to a #5 -so I guess he wasn't all that good at getting hands on somebody.

BUF made the Watkins trade. OT Matthews was theirs for the taking. Done and over.

[Bill Cody]

Guys that have weight issues often never fix them. Or they do for a while, have some success and then slack off. The NFL is so far above college ball it isn't funny. Everyone has talent. Will Richardson go for one extra lap or one extra twinkie? Bill Parcells used to say "so and so is a biscuit away from being out of this league". It comes down to commitment to your job. Hopefully he sees the opportunity and grabs it.

[ghz in pittsburgh]

I'm not getting this "if he gets his hands on you, it's over"? He dropped to a #5 -so I guess he wasn't all that good at getting hands on somebody.



Usually means he's a strong guy. Once he gets on your shoulder pads, it's very hard for you to shed him off or shake free. On running plays, he probably pancake you.

But people like Aaron Donald has such quick feet that Cyril Richardson never gets clean shots other than grabbing his arm maybe. Or guys like Mario Williams who is probably equally strong (if not more) AND shifty can make one left or right move while hand fighting and he's gone by Richardson.

[Mahdi]

I'm not getting this "if he gets his hands on you, it's over"? He dropped to a #5 -so I guess he wasn't all that good at getting hands on somebody.

BUF made the Watkins trade. OT Matthews was theirs for the taking. Done and over.

You don't win awards for Best OL unless you are dominating.

[X-Era]

This guy is an absolute steal in the 5th round. Period. Not sure how any other argument could be made.
He was a steal in the 5th round and is likely to start and succeed very soon.

However, the "other arguments to be made" are that he was huge and looked slow during the Senior Bowl practices. He did. Does it matter? Probably not. But his size and weight can affect his athleticism and therefore ability to adjust to and block speedier rushers. That is the question mark to watch on him. He dropped to the 5th round for a reason. There is a reason that G needy teams took 9 Guards before him. It's his weight and athleticism.

All that said, he was a steal. He has been very successful. Chances are very good that he will do well. But, he does have some areas to watch.

http://collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com/2014/02/writers-senior-bowl-hurt-stock-of-baylor-guard-cyril-richardson-lache-seastrunk-underperformed-on-40-time.html/

"Cyril Richardson, OG, Baylor – Can be dominate when the man is head up and he can road-grade. Really struggles when the defender is shaded and he has to move laterally. Not a fit for all teams and probably has to lose some weight to become a better side to side athlete."

http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2014/01/2014-senior-bowl-day-3-north-practice-notes-1-on-1s.html

[stuckincincy]

He was a steal in the 5th round and is likely to start and suceed very soon.

However, the "other arguments to be made" are that he was huge and looked slow during the Senior Bowl practices. He did. Does it matter? Probably not. But his size and weight can affect his athleticism and therefore ability to adjust to and block speedier rushers. That is the question mark to watch on him. He dropped to the 5th round for a reason. There is a reason that G needy teams took 9 Guards before him. It's his weight and athleticism.

All that said, he was a steal. He has been very successful. Chances are very good that he will do well. But, he does have some areas to watch.

He wasn't a steal. He was there after other OLs were drafted early in that round.

I'm pleased that they took the shot. Well worth a 5th. He might end up being that RT.

[ghz in pittsburgh]

He wasn't a steal. He was there after other OLs were drafted early in that round.

I'm pleased that they took the shot. Well worth a 5th. He might end up being that RT.

You mean RG, right? Any tackle needs nimble feet, at least somewhat.

[stuckincincy]

You mean RG, right? Any tackle needs nimble feet, at least somewhat.

Naw. OL. They draft many of them at any OL position these days, and see where they fit. Not exclusively, of course.

Consider the B'gals RT - Andre Smith. Drafted as a LT. Broke his foot in training camp. Then did it again. Finally came around as an RT. Got paid. RTs don't need nimble feet like LTs or guards or centers do. The immense tub 'o goo Smith seals off 3 feet to his right or left at the snap. If it's a run, he has a powerful drive and mows folks down and it's up to the rb to pick and juke.

I'm certain that the Bills staff come camp, will figure out where to try him, and make decisions. He came from a good college program. I bet he makes the squad.

[ghz in pittsburgh]

I bet he makes the squad.
That is a sure bet. RT? I'm willing to bet against.

[Goobylal]

Naw. OL. They draft many of them at any OL position these days, and see where they fit. Not exclusively, of course.

Consider the B'gals RT - Andre Smith. Drafted as a LT. Broke his foot in training camp. Then did it again. Finally came around as an RT. Got paid. RTs don't need nimble feet like LTs or guards or centers do. The immense tub 'o goo Smith seals off 3 feet to his right or left at the snap. If it's a run, he has a powerful drive and mows folks down and it's up to the rb to pick and juke.

I'm certain that the Bills staff come camp, will figure out where to try him, and make decisions. He came from a good college program. I bet he makes the squad.
Smith was drafted to play LT. He didn't have the foot speed. Which is why he's at RT. Richardson will be best suited at LG, where he played in college. Kujo will be the RT.

[X-Era]

He wasn't a steal. He was there after other OLs were drafted early in that round.

I'm pleased that they took the shot. Well worth a 5th. He might end up being that RT.

A) He's a G IMO. He doesn't have the length or foot-speed to play RT. Especially since Whaley sees the LT and RT spots as almost interchangeable with the speed at DL these days.

B) Yes he was.

Anytime you get a 2nd or 3rd round talent in the 5th it's a steal from the talent perspective. If there are extenuating circumstances such as off the field stuff it becomes less of a steal as the risk goes up.

But we're talking about a guy who had no off the field stuff, no injury concerns. And really the hit on him was that he had a questionable performance during the Senior Bowl.

Put it this way, I'd rather get a guy who's done very well for years but had a bad Senior Bowl 3 rounds later than he should have gone

Than

Drafting a guy whose best day was a great Senior Bowl 4-7 rounds too high and in the 1st round... cough...Erik Flowers...cough.

[Forward_Lateral]

Put him and Cujo on the right side and nobody getting through that wall of meat