Trent Richardson: Projecting Alabama Star's Career Path in the NFL

Trent Richardson is projected to be the top-picked running back in this year's NFL draft. The Alabama alumnus looks to be extremely NFL-ready, being a solid 5'9", 228 lb. power runner.

Richardson's likely path starts in the first round of the draft. He will likely be grabbed at the no. 4 spot by the Cleveland Browns. The Browns lost their top running back, Peyton Hillis, during the offseason, and need to replace him with a future franchise back. Richardson fits that tag well. 

Richardson's college career was fantastic, gaining over 3000 yards in three years. He ran in 35 touchdowns at Alabama, as well as hauling in seven receiving touchdowns. 

At his pro-day, Richardson ran a 4.45-40 yard dash. He also showed great upper body strength for a running back, putting up 25 reps during the bench press. All of these pre-NFL signs point to a bright career for Richardson.

It helps that Richardson is a high-character person, which is one reason why he will go so early. The fourth pick is high for a running back in the NFL draft, but Cleveland needs one, especially with as much potential as Richardson has.

So, assuming that Richardson ends up in Cleveland, he has a great chance of succeeding. He is going to have a young, solid offensive line in front of him led by Joe Thomas. If Peyton Hillis could rip off a career season not long ago, a guy with more talent like Richardson could have a field day in the NFL.

It is going to help Richardson's cause that he is a bruiser and a three-down back that can move the sticks. In college, he averaged almost six yards a carry, which proves, in most cases, that he can move the chains after initial contact from defenders.

After having a rookie year that will challenge for the Rookie of the Year award, Richardson will follow it up with another season with similar numbers. The Browns are going to depend heavily on Richardson, which may stymie production a little bit, but Richardson is resilient and tough enough to overcome.

Like most running backs, Richardson will slow down at the end of his career. The NFL takes a toll on running backs, as they take an extreme amount of punishment every year. Richardson will be a multi-time 1,000-yard rusher. He will have times where he will struggle, but he is mentally strong and will stay the course.

Assuming Richardson can stay relatively healthy throughout his NFL career, I can see him having a similar career to another Alabama alumnus, Shaun Alexander.

I think that, when it is all said and done, Richardson could end up with around 9,000 career rushing yards. The amount of touchdowns he puts in will depend on how good the overall offense is.

So, come draft night, expect Richardson to be wearing brown and orange. It is a smart pick for the Browns and an exciting opportunity for Richardson. Maybe, it will be a match made in heaven.

With Colt McCoy currently running the Browns offense, expect a healthy dosage of Richardson. He is going to take a lot of responsibility in his tenure with the Browns, but expect big things from this future star.