Trent Richardson was the third overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Alabama but since coming into the NFL he has been a major disappointment. The Oakland Raiders are now Richardson's third team in the past four years as he has been unable to mount much success as a pro and he is reportedly in danger of being cut, according to Bill Williamson of ESPN.
Richardson was drafted by the Cleveland Browns and actually was pretty good as a rookie as he rushed for close to 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns but even then his yards per carry were low (3.6 YPC.) For his career Richardson averages 3.3 yards per carry as things didn't get better for him when he was traded to the Indianapolis Colts.
This past offseason the Raiders decided to take a chance on the former Alabama star and gave him $600,000 in guaranteed money but just because that money is guaranteed doesn't mean his roster spot is. Latavius Murray is locked in as the starting running back for the Raiders while Roy Helu is fully expected to be the third down back.
After Murray and Helu it gets interesting with Richardson, Taiwan Jones and undrafted rookie Michael Dyer. Jones has been with the Raiders for four years and although he hasn't gotten much playing time there is a familiarity there and he has proven he could at least be useful on special teams. Coming into the preseason Dyer seemed like the running back with the best chance of being cut but he has impressed. Last preseson game against the Minnesota Vikings Dyer rushed 12 times for 45 yards and was praised by head coach Jack Del Rio. Richardson on the other hand looked sluggish and ran for just five yards on five carries.
Dyer was a big time prospect in college at Auburn in his freshman and sophomore year but ran into trouble and was forced to transfer to Louisville where he wasn't used much and that hurt his draft stock. Dyer has the talent to be able to earn a spot and that has put Richardson in some big trouble. The Raiders play their third preseason game on Sunday night against the Arizona Cardinals and the performance of these running backs will go a long way in determining who makes the team.
Richardson specifically needs to show something on Sunday night or he will be in very big danger of getting cut and losing his roster spot to an undrafted rookie. If Richardson were to be cut it would only further the narrative of him being a huge bust and could even mark the end of his NFL career.
