As we enter the middle of the month of April, the 2018 NFL Draft slowly approaches.
There are some former fan favorites of the NC State football team who will hope to hear their name called come April 26-28, including probable top-five pick Bradley Chubb, running back Nyheim Hines and all-purpose back Jaylen Samuels.
However, the Pack also boasts some mid-round prospects that have gained the attention of NFL scouts. One of the best linemen in the draft that no one is talking about is offensive tackle Will Richardson.
The 2018 offensive lineman class is deep without a doubt. Notre Dame has two linemen, guard Quenton Nelson and tackle Mike McGlinchey, that are considered at the top of their respective positions — not to mention Texas’ Connor Williams who is projected to be a first-round pick as well.
In the NFL, quarterbacks and pass rushers are the most coveted talents; however, protecting the quarterback is key for a successful franchise.
According to NFL.com’s latest analysis of Richardson, he is slated to be drafted in the third or fourth round.
In his junior year, Richardson took a step forward from his first two seasons with the Pack. The Burlington, North Carolina, native garnered second-team All-ACC honors. According to ProFootballFocus.com, Richardson didn’t allow a single sack and only allowed five quarterback pressures all season long.
Richardson has the size, 6-foot-6 and 306 pounds, to be a potential starter for an NFL team at the guard or tackle position, though he would need to gain some weight and develop into an NFL-caliber tackle if he was drafted to learn behind the tutelage of a veteran.
The three-year starter for the Wolfpack’s trademark is pass blocking, rated by ProFootballFocus as the best pass-blocking tackle in the ACC in the 2017 season.
However, Richardson has had his fair share of off-the-field issues in his collegiate career. As a freshman he was suspended for a DWI and he served a two-game suspension in 2017 due to marijuana.
If Richardson has learned from his mistakes and manages to shape up in the pros, then NFL teams could find a steal in the later rounds in the former Pack O-lineman. The New York Giants and New England Patriots have reportedly expressed interest in drafting Richardson.
According to Dan Schneier via Twitter, the Giants met with Richardson after the combine and could be selected by general manager Dave Gettleman.
As for the Patriots, head coach Bill Belichick has already drafted one NC State lineman and might clamor for another come draft day. Former NC State guard Joe Thuney was drafted in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by New England and he has more than panned out thus far.
In Thuney’s rookie season he started all 16 regular-season games before winning Super Bowl LI with former teammate and then-Patriot quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
Though Belichick attended NC State’s pro day, it is difficult to speculate who exactly the Hall of Fame coach came to scout. Though as quarterback Tom Brady ages, more and more talent in the offensive line will be desired in New England in order to lengthen Brady’s career.
Furthermore, the Patriots team website did a little digging into the lineman prospects, going as far as including a highlight tape of Richardson’s junior season in Raleigh.
With the pass-blocking skills that NFL teams covet, Richardson has the chance to carve out a solid career for himself in professional football.
