2012 NFL Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cannot Afford to Pass on Trent Richardson

There are a lot of opinions out there about what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should do with their fifth overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.  Most people have them projected to pick Morris Claiborne from LSU.  While Claiborne is arguably the best defensive player in this draft, he is not who the Bucs should go with.  The man they should pick is Alabama RB Trent Richardson.

Running backs have been undervalued in today's NFL, but Richardson is not your typical running back.  He has a rare blend of size and speed that you do not see much in today's era of specialization.  He is an every down back who can create his own run as well as catch the ball out of the backfield.

Richardson is also a guy that does not have to play behind an excellent line to be successful.  He did have the advantage of playing behind a really good line in Alabama, but if you watch his college highlights, you will see that he spent a lot of his time running over people in college.  Richardson was able to do that because of how strong he is.  He holds the all-time squat record by a skill guy at the University of Alabama.

One argument that people use for why Tampa should not take Richardson is that they already have LeGarrette Blount.  Look, Blount is a good NFL running back, but Richardson is on a whole other level.  Defensive coordinators are not forced to scheme for Blount.  They would be for Richardson.

Adding Richardson would also help get Josh Freeman back on track.  A quarterback has no better friend than a dynamic running game.  Being able to hand the ball of to Richardson would take some of the pressure off Freeman's shoulders.  Freeman obviously had some trouble being "the guy" in 2011.

The bottom line is the NFL is an offensive football league now.  Adding a shut down corner is always a good thing, but adding a running back that will transform your rushing attack is even better.  There is no way Tampa Bay should pass on Richardson.