Name: Derrek Richards  College: Utah     Number: 26 Height: 5-11   Weight: 182 Position: WR  Pos2: KR Class/Draft Year: rSr/2008 40 Time: 4.39      40 Low: 4.37   40 High: 4.52   Projected Round:   Stock:   High: FA-Mon/Tues  Low: FA Fri Rated number 126 out of 338 WR's      / 2554 TOTAL

Combine Results		Pro Day Results
Combine Invite:  Height: 5105 Weight: 182 40 Yrd Dash:  20 Yrd Dash:  10 Yrd Dash:	225 Lb. Bench Reps:  Vertical Jump:  Broad Jump:  20 Yrd Shuttle:  3-Cone Drill:	Dates: 03/10/08 Height: 5105 Weight: 182 40 Yrd Dash: 4.39 20 Yrd Dash: 2.55 10 Yrd Dash: 1.46	225 Lb. Bench Reps: 20 Vertical Jump: 36 Broad Jump: 10'00" 20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.09 3-Cone Drill: 6.72

Draft Scout Snapshot: DS Rating on 08/12/07: #160 WR, Projected: FA 13 GP; 13 GS; Rec: 60-717-12-6; PR 6-22-3.7-0 KR 5-129-25.8-0; Honorable mention all-Mountain West in '06. 12 GP; 6 GS; Rec: 16-239-14.9-4; KR: 7-151-21.6-0 in '05. 11 GP; 0 GS; Rush: 1-0-0-0; Rec: 2-53-26.5-0; KR: 1-40-40-0 in '04. Redshirt in '03.

2006 Season   Honorable mention all-Mountain West Conference … only Ute receiver to start all 13 games … led Utah with 60 catches for 717 yards … finished sixth in the MWC in receptions per game (4.62) and ninth in receiving yards per game (55.2) … 6 receiving touchdowns was second- best on the team … career-best 96 receiving yards against New Mexico … career- high 8 receptions against BYU went for 79 yards … 7 catches for 69 yards in Utah’s bowl win over Tulsa … also played on the return teams … returned 5 kickoffs for 129 yards (25.8 yards per return) and 6 punts for 22 yards.

2005 Season   Played in 12 games and started the last 6 ... 16 catches for 239 yards and 4 TDs ... averaged 14.9 yards per catch ...career-best 87 yards (2 TDs) against New Mexico ... career-long 52-yard catch against New Mexico ... 7 kickoff returns for 151 yards ... returned 2 kickoffs for 50 yards at Brigham Young ... returned 3 kicks in Emerald Bowl for 61 yards, including a career-long 28 yard return.

2004 Season   Saw action in 11 games ... totaled 93 all-purpose yards ... made 2 catches for 53 yards ... caught a pass for 33 yards vs. San Diego State and for 20 yards vs. North Carolina ... also returned a kick for 40 yards against Utah State ... 1 rush for no gain vs. UNC.

2003 Season   Redshirt.

High School   Scored 12 touchdowns as a senior at American Fork High (Utah) in 2002 ... set school 100-meter record (10.7 seconds) ... track team captain finished second at state championships in 100- and 200-meter dashes.

Personal   Son of Don Richards ... father graduated from Utah State ... one sister ... married (Jessica) ... economics major ... full name is Derrek Adams Richards ... born Dec. 12, 1983.

 

Draft Scout Player News

12/05/07 - 2007 All-Mountain West Conference Honorable Mention: Derrek Richards leads Utah in both receptions (53) and receiving yards (574). He ranks seventh in the league in receptions per game (4.42) and 10th in receiving yards per game (47.8). Richards saw a 30-game string of starts dating back to 2005 halted in the final regular season game. He entered the BYU game on the second play. Richards ranks seventh in school history in career receptions (134) and stands 12th in receiving yards (1,614). He has the best game by a Ute receiver this year. He caught eight balls for a career-high 109 yards against AFA. It was his first 100-yard game. - Utah Sports

12/05/07 - 2007 All-Mountain West Conference Second Team: PR/KR Derrek Richards leads the MWC and ranks ninth in the nation in punt return average (15.0). Richards’ 15.0 average ranks fourth in the nation among players with at least 25 punt returns. His 421 punt return yards ranks second all-time in a season by a Ute. Richards has 443 career yards in punt returns, which is ninth on Utah’s career charts. He returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown against Utah State – the first punt return for a score by a Ute since Steve Smith did it against California on Sept. 9, 2000. Richards’ 75-yard punt return against USU is the seventh longest in school history and the longest since 1997 and his 135 yards in punt returns against Utah State is the third-best total in the NCAA this year and the third-best single-game mark in Utah history. Richards’ 104 punt return yards against Wyoming is the 15th best total in the NCAA this season and the ninth best single-game total in school history. He was named MWC Special Teams Player of the Week on Oct. 1. - Utah Sports

11/26/07 - STILL NEEDS WORK: WR Derrek Richards already was having a quiet day, with four receptions for 42 yards and one punt return for 3 yards. But he cost the Utes any hopes of a last-second comeback when he dropped a Brian Johnson pass inside the BYU 30 with less than 30 seconds left in the game.

11/24/07 - WR/PR Derrek Richards has opportunities both on offense and special teams to make big plays Nov. 24. He ranks sixth in the conference in receptions per game with 49 and is 11th nationally in punt returns with a 15.5-yard average.

10/05/07 - WR Derrek Richards is showing versatility and playmaking skills as a punt returner, going 75 yards for a TD against Utah State. If he can continue to be a dual threat for the Utes, his production may help balance the inconsistent play elsewhere.

Name: Eddie Royal  College: Virginia Tech     Number: 4 Height: 5-10   Weight: 184 Position: WR  Pos2: KR Class/Draft Year: Sr/2008 40 Time: 4.39      40 Low: 4.32   40 High: 4.48   Projected Round: 3  Stock:   High: Late 2  Low: Late 4 Rated number 13 out of 338 WR's     88 / 2554 TOTAL

Combine Results		Pro Day Results
Combine Invite: Yes Height: 5095 Weight: 184 40 Yrd Dash: 4.39 20 Yrd Dash: 2.53 10 Yrd Dash: 1.46	225 Lb. Bench Reps: 24 Vertical Jump: 36 Broad Jump: 10'04" 20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.34 3-Cone Drill: 7.07	Dates: 03/20/08 03/27/08 Height: 5095 Weight: 184 40 Yrd Dash:  20 Yrd Dash:  10 Yrd Dash:	225 Lb. Bench Reps:  Vertical Jump:  Broad Jump:  20 Yrd Shuttle:  3-Cone Drill:
Before Combine: Hgt: 5095, Wgt: 182, 40YD: 4.32-4.39-4.45

Draft Scout Snapshot: DS Rating on 08/12/07: #4 WR, #35/750 Overall, Projected: Rnd 1-2 2008 Postseason update (04/04/08): Stock: Up. Strong off-season performer, displaying excellent quickness and hands during Senior Bowl practices. He's not quite 5'10", but teams looking for a Hester-like return threat really like what he brings. Also impressed at the Combine running 4.39 in the 40, with a 1.46 10 yd split. Also had a 36" vertical and 24 reps of weights 40 pounds heavier than he is. Pulled a hamstring prior to the first pro day on March 20th, may work out again. 2007: All-Atlantic Coast Conference first-team choice by the league's coaches…Started eleven games at flanker, coming off the bench vs. Louisiana State and Kansas…Sat out the Florida State game and part of the Georgia Tech clash with a calf bruise…Finished third on the team with 33 receptions for 496 yards (15.0 avg) and four touchdowns…Rushed eight times for 112 yards (14.0 avg) and returned 14 kickoffs for 316 yards (22.6 avg)…Led the ACC and ranked tenth in the nation with 455 yards and two touchdowns on 31 punt returns (14.7 avg)…Attempted two passes, one that resulted in an interception and recorded a solo tackle…Gained 1,379 all-purpose yards, an average of 106.08 yards per game.

Overview    An electrifying athlete, Eddie Royal wasn't able to fully display his ability as a wide receiver at Virginia Tech. The Hokies were limited for much of the season by inconsistent quarterback play. Royal did get to show off his skills in other areas and established himself as the premier punt returner in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He also excelled as a kickoff returner and proved to be a dangerous threat running out of the backfield. Royal holds the rare distinction of throwing a touchdown, catching 12 scoring passes, rushing for a touchdown and returning three punts for scores during his career. It was also rare to see a receiver become a school's career leader in all-purpose yards, but Royal is one of the few -- amassing 4,698 yards. His 1,296 punt returns established a new Atlantic Coast Conference career-record. At Westfield High School, Royal earned All-State honors as both a receiver and kick returner. He was named the Mid-Atlantic Offensive Player of the Year by Super Prep .and selected the Group AAA Player of the Year by the Associated Press. He was the Washington Post All-Metro Offensive Player of the Year and earned both Super Prep and Prep Star All-American honors following his senior season. Royal was rated the best player in Virginia by Super Prep and the second-best player by The Roanoke Times, in addition to ranking 13th in the nation among wide receivers, according to Rivals.com. He teamed with fellow Virginia Tech signee, QB Sean Glennon to lead his team to the Group AAA Division 6 championship with a 14-0 record as a senior. That year, he had 41 receptions for 875 yards and 11 touchdowns. He added a 47-yard punt return for a touchdown and a 1-yard scoring run on a reverse in the state title game. As a junior, he hauled in 48 passes as a junior for 905 yards and 11 touchdowns. For his career, he returned 10 kicks for touchdowns. Royal arrived at Virginia Tech and quickly established himself, both on the field and in the training room. The Freshman All-American started 11 games at flanker, leading the team with 28 receptions for 470 yards (16.8-yard average) and three touchdowns. He averaged 11.0 yards on 25 punt returns and had the eighth-best kickoff-return average (28.8) in the country, gaining 346 yards on 12 tries, finishing with 1,101 all-purpose yards. He also set a position record with a 365-pound bench press. As a sophomore, Royal missed spring drills with a left leg compartment syndrome, but went on to start all thirteen games. He ranked third on the team with 27 catches for 315 yards (11.7 avg) and two touchdowns. He rushed ten times for 79 yards and gained 263 yards on 32 punt returns (8.2-yard average). He also piled up 293 yards on 14 kickoff returns, despite being hampered late in the year by hamstring issues. In 2006, Royal earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference second-team and All-American honorable mention. He led the ACC and ranked 12th nationally with a 13.2-yard average on 23 punt returns, adding 431 yards on 19 kickoff returns (22.7-yard average). He gained 24 yards on five carries and finished third on the squad with 31 catches for 497 yards (16-yard average) and three touchdowns while starting nine of 13 games. Royal was a second-team All-American and first-team All-ACC punt returner in 2007, ranking 10th in the nation as he led the league with 31 punt returns for 455 yards (14.7-yard average) and two scores. He gained 316 yards on 14 kickoff returns, 496 yards and four scores on 33 receptions (15.0 avg) and 112 yards on eight rushing attempts (14.0 avg). In 51 games at Virginia Tech, Royal started 44 contests. He ranks fourth in school annals with 119 receptions, sixth with 1,778 yards (14.9-yard average) and fifth with 12 touchdown catches. He rushed 24 times for 226 yards (9.4 avg) and a score, as he also completed 1-of-5 passes for 53 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. He returned 111 punts for a school career-record 1,296 yards (11.7 avg) and three scores. He added 1,386 yards on 59 kickoff returns (24.5 avg) and holds the Tech record with 4,686 all-purpose yards.

Analysis    Positives: Has a well-built upper body with a tight abdomen, good muscle thickness in his chest, back, shoulders and arms and valid timed speed to threaten the deep secondary...Best on controlled routes, as he is slippery getting under defenders and finding the soft areas on the field...Does a nice job of working back when the quarterback is pressured...Relies a lot on his quickness in and out of his breaks to gain separation...Will trap the ball at times, but shows soft hands and good vision to look the ball in over his outside shoulder...Despite his explosive speed, he is patient letting blocks develop on returns...Does a good job of moving laterally to avoid tackles and has a short pitter-patter running style to elude in space...Will lose his concentration at times, but is a tough, fearless receiver combating for the ball in a crowd...Likes to get the ball in pressure situations and has a keen knowledge of defensive coverage...Can sneak up on a cornerback to gobble up the cushion and get behind the defender in an instant...Hard worker in the weight room and has a good grasp of the playbook...The staff feels his knowledge and love for the game will make him a coaching candidate one day...Shows good body tilt and lean, along with the burst and acceleration to surprise a lethargic defender, showing good stutter-step moves with above-average balance in attempts to escape after the catch...Has the ability to eat up the cushion with his speed and does a nice job of dropping his pads and exploding out of his cuts (will drift on long patterns)...Can generate power in his running stride, using effective head-and-shoulder fakes while stemming and stabbing to set up the defenders...Has a nice set of gears that he uses to change the pace of his running stride...Makes good body adjustments to get under the ball and is quick to find the soft spot in coverage...Will go vertical and lay out to haul in the ball near the sideline...Adjusts well underneath and can take a shot and hold on to the ball when working in traffic...Makes a good effort to snatch the ball at his shoestrings or extend to reach and pluck at its high point...Has natural hands and while he will trap at times, he shows ease of movement with his arm extension...Has the body control to adjust to off-target tosses and shows good vision and run instincts...Times his leaps well and has the quick burst to separate...Good pester-type blocker in the open, doing a nice job of taking defenders off their feet with cut blocks (needs more bulk to sustain when blocking in-line, though)...Shows a good wiggle and quick feet to get past the initial tackler and when he maintains focus on the ball, he will come up with some spectacular aerial grabs...Has the leaping ability to explode in his jumps to reach the high point...Has the vision to locate defenders, making his an efficient runner on screens and reverses...Has the upper-body strength to break arm tackles...Also shows a decent arm to throw the option pass. Negatives: Has a strong build, but his frame is at maximum growth potential, leaving no room for needed additional bulk...Has a muscular upper body, but possesses a small bubble and just adequate thickness in his thighs and hamstrings...Has very good timed speed, but is inconsistent getting a sudden burst off the snap...Despite his upper-body strength, he struggles to avoid getting a clean release vs. press coverage, which causes him to get redirected in his routes too often for a player with his power...An inconsistent route-runner who will drift on deep routes and takes soft-angle cuts when going long distances...Is more effective on controlled and short-area routes, but needs to be more consistent when attempting to plant and drive to gain separation...Tough player, but will have some concentration lapses, along with a penchant for trapping the ball, leading to a share of dropped balls...Can make the initial tackler miss when working in space, but is not a very shifty route runner and needs to be more crisp in his turns coming out of his breaks...Scrappy cut blocker with a good concept for taking angles to stalk second level defenders, but because of size issues, he can be walked back into the pocket when trying to block in-line...Has had some minor injury problems, leading to some durability concerns...Must do a better job extending for the ball, as he likes to let it into his body too often (has just adequate hands)...Good competitor, but will get frustrated when he can't escape the jam to get into his route (lets that affect him for several plays, getting take out of his game). Compares To: ROSCOE PARRISH-Buffalo...Royal is much stronger than Parrish, but both are excellent speed merchants who will have great success as returners. Royal has the ability to be a good vertical threat, but needs to refine his route running. He is a good cut blocker, but despite his upper-body strength, he struggles vs. a strong press and will get frustrated when he can't get a clean release. Still, he is a playmaker who will be a nice fit as a slot receiver while handling return chores.

Career Notes    Royal ranks fourth school history with 119 receptions, topped by Ernest Wilford (126, 2000-03), Josh Morgan (122, 2004-07) and Antonio Freeman (121, 1991-94)...His 1,778 yards receiving rank behind Ricky Scales (2,272 yards, 1972-74), Antonio Freeman (2,207), Ernest Wilford (2,052), Andre Davis (1,986, 1998-2001) and Josh Morgan (1,817) on Tech's all-time record chart...His twelve touchdown catches are surpassed by Antonio Freeman (22), Rocky Scales (18), Andre Davis (18) and Josh Morgan (16) on the school's career-record list...Holds the school career-records with 111 punt returns for 1,296 yards, topping the old marks of 56 returns by DeAngelo Hall (2001-03) and 872 yards by Andre Davis (198-2001)....Only Steve Suter of Maryland (121, 2001-04), Ledel George of North Carolina State (125, 1990-93) and Kelley Rhino of Georgia Tech (112, 1999-2002) had more punt returns in Atlantic Coast Conference annals...His 1,296 punt return yards broke the old ACC all-time record of 1,271 yards by Steve Suter...Royal's 1,386 yards on kickoff returns are topped only by Jon Jeffries (1,447 yards, 1987-91) in school history...His 455 punt return yards in 2007 are the fourth-most in a season by a Tech player, topped by Ricky Hall (510 in 1999), DeAngelo Hall (487 in 2003) and Antonio Freeman (467 in 1994).

2007 Season    All-American second-team selection as an all-purpose back by The NFL Draft Report...All-Atlantic Coast Conference first-team choice by the league's coaches...Started 11 games at flanker, coming off the bench vs. Louisiana State and Kansas...Sat out the Florida State game and part of the Georgia Tech clash with a calf bruise...Finished third on the team with 33 receptions for 496 yards (15.0-yard average) and four touchdowns...Rushed eight times for 112 yards (14.0 avg) and returned 14 kickoffs for 316 yards (22.6 avg)...Led the ACC and ranked tenth in the nation with 455 yards and two touchdowns on 31 punt returns (14.7 avg)...Attempted two passes, one that resulted in an interception and recorded a solo tackle...Gained 1,379 all-purpose yards, an average of 106.08 yards per game.

2007 Game Analysis

2006 Season    All-American honorable mention by Sports Illustrated...All-Atlantic Coast Conference second-team choice...Led the league and ranked 12th nationally with 23 punt returns for 304 yards (13.2-yard average) and a touchdown...Started nine games at flanker, ranking third on the team with 31 catches for 497 yards (16.0 avg) and three scores...Rushed five times for 24 yards (4.8 avg)...Gained 431 yards on 19 kickoff returns (22.7 avg)...Gained 1,256 all-purpose yards...Completed 1-of-3 passes for a 53-yard touchdown and one interception...Had a fumble vs. Boston College and another fumble that the Kent State defense recovered.

2006 Game Analysis

2005 Season    Started all 13 games at flanker, ranking third on the team with 27 receptions for 315 yards (11.7-yard average) and two touchdowns...Rushed 10 times for 79 yards (7.9 avg) and a score...Returned 32 punts for 263 yards (8.2 avg) and 14 kickoffs for 293 yards (20.9 avg)... Piled up 950 all-purpose yards, but also fumbled once vs. Duke.

2005 Game Analysis

2004 Season    Freshman All-American selection by The NFL Draft Report...Came off the bench in the season opener vs. Southern California and sat out the Florida A&M clash with flu-like symptoms, but would start 11 games at flanker...Led the team with 28 receptions for 470 yards (16.8-yard average) and three touchdowns...Gained 11 yards on a reverse, 346 yards on 12 kickoff returns (28.8 avg) and 274 yards on 25 punt returns (11.0 avg)...Totaled 1,101 all-purpose yards.

2004 Game Analysis

Injury Report    2004: Missed most of the first half of the West Virginia game (10/02) with a slight concussion...Did not play vs. Florida A&M (10/16) due to flu-like symptoms. 2005: Sat out spring practices with compartment syndrome in his left leg...Sat out most of the Miami game (11/05) with a hamstring pull. 2006: Suffered a big toe sprain vs. Northeastern (9/02). 2007: Suffered a calf bruise that forced him to miss most of the Georgia Tech (11/01) clash and the entire Florida State game (11/10).

Agility Tests    Campus: 4.36 in the 40-yard dash (ran a personal best 4.22 during 2006 spring drills)...Holds the school position record with a 390-pound bench press...450-pound squat...270-pound power clean...39-inch vertical jump...31-inch arm length...8 5/8-inch hands...Right-handed...21/29 Wonderlic score. Combine: 4.39 in the 40-yard dash...1.48 10-yard dash...2.55 20-yard dash...Bench pressed 225 pounds 24 times...36-inch vertical jump...11.66 60-yard shuttle...10'4" broad jump.

High School    Attended Westfield (Chantilly, Va.) High School, playing football for head coach Tom Verbanic...Earned All-State honors as both a receiver and kick returner...Named the Mid-Atlantic Offensive Player of the Year by Super Prep and selected the Group AAA Player of the Year by the Associated Press...Washington Post All-Metro Offensive Player of the Year and earned both Super Prep and Prep Star All-American honors following his senior year...Rated the best player in Virginia by Super Prep and the second-best player by The Roanoke Times, in addition to ranking 13th in the nation among wide receivers, according to Rivals.com...Teamed with fellow Virginia Tech signee, QB Sean Glennon to lead his team to the Group AAA Division 6 championship with a 14-0 record as a senior...That year, he had 41 receptions for 875 yards and 11 touchdowns...Added a 47-yard punt return for a touchdown and a 1-yard scoring run on a reverse in the state title game...As a junior, he hauled in 48 passes as a junior for 905 yards and 11 touchdowns...For his career, he returned ten kicks for touchdowns.

Personal    Sociology major...Son of Pearl Royal...Born William Edward Royal on 5/21/86 in Alexandria, Virginia...Resides in Herndon, Virginia.

Player Statistics

 

Draft Scout Player News

05/15/08 - WR Eddie Royal was drafted in the second round to play receiver, but his immediate role as a rookie will be to return punts and kickoffs. Cal's DeSean Jackson could have filled the same role, and was available when the Broncos selected Royal. Some concerns about Jackson's character might have played a part in the decision. "I'm not going to go into details why, but obviously we made a decision to go with Royal," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said.

04/29/08 - Denver felt good about its offseason haul in free agency at linebacker, safety and receiver and didn't reach for those positions. The second-round pick, Virginia Tech receiver Eddie Royal, was drafted primarily as a kickoff and punt returner. The Broncos coveted Royal heading into the draft and were happy he fell to them in the second round. Denver considered some offers to acquire a third-round pick by moving back, but quickly picked Royal when he was available. Shanahan said when the team picked Clady and Royal, it was the first time in all his years in the NFL he targeted two players for the top two picks, and both were available.

04/29/08 - A closer look at the Broncos' picks: Round 2/42 -- Eddie Royal, WR, 5-10, 184, Virginia Tech - Denver has been looking for a top-flight returner, and they hope Royal will fit that bill. Royal will return punts and kickoffs right away, and the Broncos have high hopes for him as a receiver as well. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said he thought Royal was better beating bump-and-run coverage than any other receiver in the draft.

04/29/08 - The Broncos took Virginia Tech receiver Eddie Royal in the second round over more publicized California receiver DeSean Jackson. Shanahan said the Broncos preferred Royal without providing details. Jackson had some questions about his character before the draft. "It depended on what the team was looking for," Royal said about being selected before Jackson. "My personality, and me being more mature definitely helped out with this selection."

02/24/08 - Virginia Tech's Eddie Royal posted top-five finishes at his position in four of five categories for which I have results. I have results in the 40-yard dash, 10- and 20-yard splits, and vertical jump. According to numbers provided by the NFL, Royal finished first in the 10-yard split (1.48 seconds) and bench press (24 repetitions of 225 pounds). He finished fifth in the 20-yard split (2.55) and 40-yard dash (4.39). Michigan's State's Devin Thomas also finished first in two of the five categories in question (1.48 seconds over 10 yards and 2.52 seconds over 20 yards). Cal's DeSean Jackson was first in the 40 (4.35) and 20-yard split (2.53). Kentucky's Keenan Burton posted the best vertical at 38 1/2 inches. Richmond's Arman Shields and Coastal Carolina's Jerome Simpson tied for second (37 1/2). - Mike Sando, ESPN

The Jaguars signed 14 undrafted rookies to contracts today including adding wide receiver Derrek Richards from Utah.

I have a feeling that Derrek Richards is the punt return specialist and Brian Witherspoon is the Kickoff Return Specialist.

Is it possible that both could make the roster? 

well whos staying...whos leaving?

Riding the Brian Witherspoon bandwagon. ______________________________________________________________ Titansfan9157 (8/24/2007) VY is already a top 5 QB in this league. He just wins games. And no need for Fred Taylor or MJD we have Chris Henry... he will be better then both of them after this year. Just like Vince Young was last year. BOOK IT.

It will be interesting to see who gets the last few slots.  Let's hope it's not due to injury.  It would be nice to get a more dynamic return game.