In 2023, the Las Vegas Raiders' defense emerged as a formidable top-five unit, a testament to their potential under the guidance of their new head coach. This success, however, was not solely due to an abundance of talent on the field, but also the strategic playstyle implemented. The team's decision to invest four draft picks in defensive positions further underscores their commitment to maintaining this high standard.
The one position group that desperately needed an upgrade—one we thought would be addressed in the first or second round—was addressed in the fourth round. While many fans and media would have loved for the Raiders to take a cornerback earlier, the guy they ended up getting is a perfect fit and a player who can make a real impact as a rookie.
Decamerion Richardson has the skills, but he also has elite athleticism—some of the best in the entire draft. Because of his athleticism, the Raiders were able to get great value on a guy who can help immediately while the team develops him at the same time.
Richardson's physical prowess is a unique blend of size and speed. His impressive 4.34 40-yard dash time at the Combine, the third fastest among his position group, is a testament to his speed. Coupled with his 35-inch vertical, Richardson's athleticism is not only impressive but also a potential game-changer for the Raiders' defense.
The guy is almost 6'3', as he measured just a tad under it. His weight hovers around 190 pounds. That's why he had the best athletic score of any cornerback at the draft.
RD 4 | PK 112 - Raiders: Decamerion Richardson CB, Mississippi State
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) April 27, 2024
The @Raiders add the cornerback with the highest athleticism score (88) among his position group in this year's class to a pass defense that allowed the 2nd-highest expected completion percentage in 2023… pic.twitter.com/qudQp32Pl2
According to Next Gen Stats, Richardson had the highest athletic score of any CB with an 88 overall, which puts him above guys like Jerrian Jones, Quinyon Mitchell, and Max Melton, all of whom were taken above him in the draft.
NGS also mentioned in their tweet that Richardson's production could be low because the Mississippi State Bulldogs were the pass defense that allowed the 2nd-highest expected completion percentage in 2023 at 67.9%.
Richardson can be very, very good for the Raiders.
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