Trent Richardson’s career has hit rock-bottom. Richardson,
selected No. 3 overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2012 NFL Draft, was
released by the Oakland Raiders on Monday. He played just one preseason
game for Oakland, totaling 19 yards on five carries. The 25-year-old missed the
beginning of training camp while suffering from pneumonia.
A highly touted running back out of Alabama, Richardson had
a (relatively) strong rookie campaign. He rushed for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns,
while adding 367 yards and a score on 51 receptions. He managed these numbers
despite playing nine games with broken ribs. It should be noted, though, that Richardson only averaged 3.6 yards per carry—which stands now as his
career-high.
Two games into the 2013 season, the Browns traded
Richardson in exchange for a first-round pick to the Indianapolis Colts—a move
Cleveland was highly scrutinized for making at the time, but are now universally
praised for pulling off. Despite high hopes, Richardson never materialized into
a formidable running back with Indianapolis. Richardson averaged just 2.9 yards per
carry after being acquired by the Colts in 2013 and followed up with 3.3 yards
per attempt last season. Even though they paid a high price to acquire the
running back, the Colts parted ways with Richardson following a disappointing 2014
season.
A major draft bust, Richardson was unable to make the
Raiders roster. He signed a two-year $3.9 million deal with Oakland in the offseason—with
a whopping $600,000 guaranteed (what were the Raiders thinking?). One of the
league’s all-time disappointments, Richardson arrived to camp overweight,
leading to his release.
The struggles of Richardson since his departure from
Cleveland underscore how talented the Browns' offensive line has been in recent
years. The Browns’ O-line made Richardson look like a capable NFL running back,
something the bust has proven to be otherwise since being shipped to Indianapolis.
Major props should be handed to Joe Thomas, one of the greatest left tackles in
league history, two-time Pro Bowl center Alex Mack and veteran guard John
Greco.
The highly-respected Browns’ offensive linemen were
able to mask the weaknesses of Richardson. They helped Richardson compile 11 rushing touchdowns in his first year as a pro, breaking Jim Brown's franchise record for most rushing TDs by a rookie. Richardson, who simply cannot break out for big
runs, was destined to fail once he departed Cleveland and their formidable offensive
line.
Fast forward to present-day and Richardson’s NFL
career may be finished. As for the state of the Browns offensive line? The unit has actually strengthened
in the past few seasons with guard Joel Bitonio shining as a rookie last season
and with the team adding Florida State standout Cameron Erving with their second 1st-round
pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
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