Paul Richardson could provide another boost to Seahawks WR corps

Seattle Seahawks WR Paul Richardson appears to finally be healthy after two injury-riddled seasons.

Nothing has come easy for Paul Richardson since the Seattle Seahawks selected him with in the 2nd round of the 2014 NFL draft. From that very moment he’s had high expectations placed upon him; in part because of his tantalizing speed and overall skill set, but also because of the receivers who were drafted after him. Bigger names (and bigger bodies) such as Cody Latimer, Allen Robinson, Jarvis Landry and Davante Adams were selected within the 20 picks following Richardson’s selection. It was this impending run on wideouts that prompted Seattle GM John Schneider to trade up to get Richardson. Clearly they saw something in him they liked better then the rest of that WR group.

Since then, however, Landry and Ronbinson have gone on to become Pro Bowlers, and Adams and Latimer have had their moments, while “P-Rich” has mostly been invisible.

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There was that glorious stretch at the end of his rookie year; 15 catches over his last 4 games for 170 yards and a TD, that showed us precisely why he was drafted so high. It was a performance consistent with the strengths noted in his nfl.com scouting profile: Stretches the field vertically and can run under deep throws. Can drive off corners, break off and work back to the quarterback. Can extend to pluck off his frame. Shows he’s capable of making the spectacular grab. Productive despite a poor supporting cast. Team captain.

But then, two weeks later in a home playoff game against Carolina, Richardson tore an ACL attempting to haul in a long pass. It was the second such injury of his career, the first coming during his junior year at Colorado. This was the risk of taking Richardson over those other guys. Has been injured and durability could be an issue.

His sophomore year became a lost season; PUP list to start out, then a hamstring injury as soon as he returned. He ended up appearing in only three games, catching one pass, before the Seahawks placed him on Injured Reserve for the rest of the season.

As this offseason has progressed, there’s been a focus on all the young weapons added to the offense. Three draft picks used on rookies and one on a tight end. WR Kenny Lawler added in the 7th round. Jimmy Graham working to get back from his own knee injury…..

Richardson seems to get lost in the shuffle, but he’s worked diligently to return to 100% health. He’s posted numerous videos to his Instagram account (prich10) showing his offseason workouts with QB Russell Wilson. He looks quick, fast, strong, and ready. Fluid and field fast.

If Richardson is indeed poised for a complete 16-game 2016 season, he provides a dangerous additional weapon for Wilson to compliment Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett. Another explosive deep threat to open things up for Graham and the stable of versatile, young, pass-catching running backs (C.J. Prosise, Zac Brooks, Alex Collins) added to the mix last month.

Next: Ricardo Lockette to retire

If he isn’t, it’s probably the end of the road for his journey as a Seahawk.