Evaluation
John O: Richards was a respectable college left tackle with adequate size and strength for the Tar Heels. He played with enough effort and was serviceable as a pass and run blocker. He was named 3rd team All-ACC this past year and started at left tackle for UNC during three seasons. Richards also made the Senior Bowl and received both praise and critiques for his play there. Richards is not a mauler and isn't the perfect size for a LT, but is likely big enough with longer arms. The gaps in his game include accounting for speed rushers on the outside and direct inside rushes. His problems aren’t an issue of want to — it's more a lack of raw athleticism plus issues with bend or movement. He'll put together some moments and claim he can play guard or both tackle positions. Richards projects mores as a swing tackle that might have trouble being anything more than a backup in the NFL. Yet, with good coaching and a comfortable scheme, he might surprise.