Silver Spotlight: Jay Richardson
JAY RICHARDSON
- DEFENSIVE END
- No: 98
- Height: 6’6
- Weight: 280
- Birth date: 01/27/1984
- College: Ohio State
- Acquired: Selected in the 5th round (138 overall) of the 2007 NFL Entry Draft
Rookie Jay Richardson was a pleasant find for the Oakland Raiders during the 2007 season. The 5th round draft choice received plenty of reps and became a valued member of the defensive line when Derrick Burgess and Tommy Kelly missed time due to injuries. The former Ohio State Buckeye competed in all 16-games – starting 11 – showing good adaptability at both defensive end spots when his number was called.
Richardson’s deflection of a Jay Cutler pass during a road game versus the rival Denver Broncos led to a Thomas Howard 44-yard interception return for a touchdown during a spirited fourth quarter.
His lone sack was during Oakland’s home victory versus the Broncos on 12/02/2008. Richardson may not have shown great pass rush ability throughout the season, or looked at as an edge menace, but coaches and teammates respected his competitiveness and steadiness as a rookie.
Richardson will have to compete with free-agent acquisitions Kalimba Edwards and Greg Spires for the right end spot as training camp 2008 approaches. With a surprising first year under his belt, Richardson should be able to land a spot on the roster, but it may be in a back-up capacity due to the talent that Oakland acquired to improve the level of play opposite Burgess.
