FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Texas A&M defensive back Demani Richardson.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Demani Richardson
Demani Richardson (DB – Texas A&M)
6-foot-1 | 215 pounds.
Background:
Texas native and four-star recruit who has been starting since his true freshman season back in 2019. Intercepted one pass in each of his first four seasons, with 71 tackles and two breakups in 2019, 36 tackles and one breakup in the shortened 2020 season (missed two games), 65 tackles and three breakups in 2021, 73 tackles and five breakups in 2022, and 59 tackles and three breakups in 2023.
Positives:
Big, productive five-year starter for a major program, with more experience than most defenders in the class. Snap distribution has varied over the course of his career; he has been playing more high safety lately (sometimes single-high) but also drops down into the box nearly as often and takes some snaps out of the slot as well. He does a nice job of keeping things in front of him, playing with patience, doesn’t get sucked in by play-fakes and misdirection. Frame and functional strength allow him to match up against some tight ends. Understands his responsibility as the last line of defense and takes safe angles to the ball. Has been a highly reliable tackler throughout his collegiate career. A thudding hitter with plenty of power to help set the tone defensively and intimidate receivers working over the middle. Breaks down well in space, with a wide radius.
Negatives:
Would like to see more attention to detail in his balance/footwork when backpedaling. Not a particularly fast or explosive player; movement skills are closer to that of a linebacker. Played as a single-high safety at times in school, but doesn’t look like he’ll have the range to continue doing that at the pro level. Lets receivers cross his face in coverage, and doesn’t flip his hips too smoothly. Has too much wasted motion in his transitions. May not be the best matchup against quicker slot receivers. The downside of keeping everything in front of him is a lack of high-end on-ball production. Can sometimes be a little bit too conservative in run support.
Summary:
A big, strong defensive back who plays with patience and is a hard, reliable tackler, he was asked to do a bit of everything over the past five years. However, his role will likely have to be scaled back at the next level, as he appears to lack the speed, fluidity, and explosive movement skills to play in high-coverage or match up against pro slot receivers. Overall, his approach limits big plays but can be inefficient, leaving opportunities on the table. Looks like more of a late-round consideration who could conceivably play a robber role, function as more of a rover, or even convert to linebacker.
Projection: Round 6-7
More 2024 NFL Draft Prospects
Cornerbacks
- Josh Newton (CB – TCU)
- Cooper DeJean (CB – Iowa)
- Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB – Missouri)
- Kalen King (CB – Penn State)
- Kamari Lassiter (CB – Georgia)
- Khyree Jackson (CB – Oregon)
- D.J. James (CB – Auburn)
- Nate Wiggins (CB – Clemson)
- Kris Abrams-Draine (CB – Missouri)
- Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB – Alabama)
- T.J. Tampa (CB – Iowa State)
- Quinyon Mitchell (CB – Toledo)
- Terrion Arnold (CB – Alabama)
- Nehemiah Pritchett (CB – Auburn)
- Mike Sainristil (CB – Michigan)
- Dwight McGlothern (CB – Arkansas)
- Caelen Carson (CB – Wake Forest)
- Cam Hart (CB – Notre Dame)
- Max Melton (CB – Rutgers)
- Jarrian Jones (CB – Florida State)
Defensive Backs
- Calen Bullock (DB – USC)
- Beau Brade (DB – Maryland)
- James Williams (DB – Miami)
- Jaden Hicks (DB – Washington State)
- Sione Vaki (DB – Utah)
- Javon Bullard (DB – Georgia)
- Cole Bishop (DB – Utah)
- Tykee Smith (DB – Georgia)
- Malik Mustapha (DB – Wake Forest)
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