Trent Richardson to Break Out With Oakland Raiders

Oct 5, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Trent Richardson (34) runs with the ball against the Baltimore Ravens at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Baltimore 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Not on Richardson

It doesn’t look good for a No. 3 overall pick to fail at two different places but the problem isn’t his. Talent plus fit determines the outcome for a player and Richardson didn’t fit the Colts or Browns. He was on his way with the power-blocking scheme in Cleveland but they hired a new G.M. and head coach with zone-blocking so they traded him.

They got one over on the Colts on this one as they Colts gave up a first-round pick for a name instead of a player. They thought a No. 3 overall pick at running back was all they needed for quarterback Andrew Luck but Richardson didn’t fit the zone-blocking scheme. Running parallel to the line of scrimmage while looking for a place to cut isn’t for everyone, particularly Richardson who played in the power running style that Alabama has used to achieve so much success while at college.

Richardson had never seen the scheme before the NFL so his instincts didn’t fit it at all. So while is ability to make guys miss and break tackles is still there, he can’t get past the line of scrimmage. Therefore, he needs to be in the power-blocking scheme where he can use his natural talent instead of thinking.

Next: Scheme Fit