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Can Paul Richardson Bounce Back?

By Tanner Sucher

Dec 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks receiver Paul Richardson (10) is defended by St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins (21) on a 32-yard reception in the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 20-6 to clinch the NFC West division title. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks receiver Paul Richardson (10) is defended by St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins (21) on a 32-yard reception in the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 20-6 to clinch the NFC West division title. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Will the oft-injured Paul Richardson finally stay on the field long enough to breakout this season for the Seahawks’ crowded receiving corps?

People have started to forget about Seattle’s second round draft pick in the 2014 NFL draft. A draft filled with great wide receivers, from Odell Beckham Jr. to Sammy Watkins or even Mike Evans. To say the least 2014 provided some great wide receivers, and one of those guys might be about to finally make his mark. That guy is Paul Richardson.

Seattle took Richardson with the 14th pick of the second round (45th overall) out of the University of Colorado. Richardson had a great 2013 season for the Buffs, which provided some hope for the Seahawks.

Richardson was one of the top receivers in the Pac-12, and one of the top receivers in college football after the 2013 season. A season in which he set school records for receptions (83) and receiving yards (1,343), and ended the season as a third team All-American by CBSSports.com.

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He also showed blazing speed in the 2014 NFL draft combine, running  a 4.40 40 yard dash. which was third only to Brandin Cooks of Oregon State (4.33) and John Brown of Pittsburg St. (4.34). The one concern coming out of the combine was his size , scouts said he was too lean and needed to bulk up and get stronger. Paul Richardson stood around 6’0″ tall, and weighed only 175 pounds going into the 2014 draft. So the question was, would that size prove to be an issue in the NFL?

Dec 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks receiver Paul Richardson (10) carries the ball against the St. Louis Rams at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 20-6 to clinch the NFC West division title. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks receiver Paul Richardson (10) carries the ball against the St. Louis Rams at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 20-6 to clinch the NFC West division title. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

The answer is yes, it proved to be an issue. Richardson had a disappointing rookie season, with only 29 receptions and 271 yards and one touchdown. He did start to show signs of his potential towards the end of the season when he caught 15 of his 43 passes in the last four games for 169 yards and a TD. He also had a career high 60 yards in Seattle’s regular-season finale against the St. Louis Rams. Still people started to question Seattle’s second round draft pick, and his ability to play in the NFL.

Sadly, his second season proved to be even more disappointing.  He missed the first nine weeks of the season due to an ACL injury Richardson suffered in the Seahawks’ 2014 divisional playoff game against Carolina. Richardson came back to play only half a game in week 10 against Arizona, he tallied one reception for 40 yards. Richardson suffered a season-ending injury with a pulled hamstring, the injury occurred on that 40-yard catch in the Arizona game. The catch proved to be his only reception of the season.

So the question is can Richardson come back and make a serious impact for the Seahawks in 2016? I think yes, Richardson could prove to be a great option in 2016, and another big option in Russell Wilson‘s arsenal. The Seahawks have their top guys in Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse and Tyler Lockett. Still, Paul Richardson could prove to be a big weapon running out of the slot or as a big play kinda guy. With his speed and athleticism, there is no question that he is a great weapon is the Seahawks offense.

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The big question still remains, can Richardson stay healthy in the hard hitting NFL? All the talent is there, he has the speed and the athleticism. If he can prove to do so Richardson could add to the already dangerous Seahawks offense, and could prove to be one of the top breakout players of the 2016 NFL season.

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