Some are asking: Why was Richard Sherman drafted so low? Is it because he is a great athlete or because he was scouted so low? Many of us are aware of Richard Sherman’s size, speed, and potential. But we may be surprised by what his scouting reports actually said. Here’s a look at the draft profile that revealed the true nature of his detractors.
Richard Sherman’s impact on the NFL
While he doesn’t have a huge role on the field yet, Richard Sherman has already proven his value on the field. In Week 17, he faced multiple vertical routes against the St. Louis Rams. In this play, the Rams lined up in the Trips Right formation, which has three wide receivers to the right of the LOS. Then, Sherman slid back into coverage as the deep third defender in Cover 3.
After seven seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Richard Sherman became a sports legend. His contributions included a Super Bowl win in 2014 and a game-winning play in the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers. However, after leaving the Seahawks after the 2017 season, he was released and has since played for the San Francisco 49ers. Now a free agent, he is expected to pursue other opportunities in the NFL.
He has already spoken with the San Francisco 49ers and has been linked to more teams. Sherman has also expressed an interest in coming back to the NFL and criticizing his teammates. His newfound fame has prompted questions about the impact he will have on the game. His emergence as a “black sheep” among his Stanford friends has led to speculation about his future. And while he’s been busy, Sherman is not letting his fame prevent him from living a normal life outside of football. In fact, he’s even contemplated a career in broadcasting.
A native of Compton, CA, Richard Sherman found a way to excel despite his circumstances. A highly motivated and highly intelligent person, Sherman excelled in academics and sports while balancing school and his social life. Unlike his brother, he wore Homer Simpson slippers and favored sweatpants over sneakers. He read Harry Potter novels and dragged Darryll to Pokemon tournaments.
His potential
A lightly regarded prospect in the NFL Draft, Richard Sherman has gone on to become one of the best cornerbacks in the league. In 2008, he was a wide receiver but was returned to the team and started two seasons at cornerback. He was a late addition to the Senior Bowl, but was still viewed as a question mark because of his choppy backpedal and inexperience in the field. He has come a long way since then, proving that he is a top cornerback candidate.
During the 2010 Senior Bowl, he was a 6’2” cornerback, a rarity these days. Although he was an injury replacement, Richard made a couple of pass breakups in his limited playing time. In the first half of the game, he was beaten by Colin Peek, which further confirmed that scouts were worried about his potential.
In 2011, Sherman was selected 154th overall by the Raiders, which was a mistake in my opinion. The team would have been better served by passing on him than drafting a guy with his size and skills. As a result, the Raiders had to settle for a third-round pick to make up for the cornerback spot. The Raiders have a huge need at cornerback, and Sherman’s presence would be an enormous plus. Damon Arnette was a disaster at cornerback last year and Trayvon Mullen was an absolute liability even on his best days.
The scouting reports for Sherman were negative when he first appeared on the Dan Patrick Show. He said that a draft profile of a player should be positive to ensure his draft status. Instead, Sherman’s scouting reports emphasized his lack of explosiveness, slow route recognition, and poor overall speed. Despite the skepticism, the Seattle Seahawks took him in the fifth round.
His size
Many NFL scouts have speculated that Richard Sherman was drafted so low because of the size issue, but that’s just a myth. A recent evaluation by ESPN’s Scouts Inc. pegged Sherman’s size at number thirty among the best cornerbacks available. While the team praised Sherman’s athleticism, the scouts criticized his coverage skills and poked holes in his game. It also suggested that he would be better suited as a marquee cornerback.
Carroll wanted to head off the rampant speculation about whether Sherman should have been drafted higher. However, once he saw how wildly popular Sherman had become, he snapped back into competition mode and drafted a six-foot-1, 174-pound cornerback named Bryan Mills. The 6-foot-1 cornerback attended North Carolina Central and signed an undrafted rookie free agent contract. Carroll and his general manager John Schneider also agreed to give Sherman a 10-year, $38 million contract.
Aside from being a standout cornerback, Sherman is also a highly regarded quarterback, but some scouts think his size could be an impediment to his career. The former standout reportedly has a five-inch height difference with the current NFL quarterback. In contrast, Pickett’s eight-inch hands were smaller than that of any current NFL quarterback. Sherman, however, argues that his lack of size did not prevent him from playing well in the NFL.
While Richard Sherman is one of the most highly regarded cornerbacks in the league, his size did not prevent him from playing wide receiver. In college, Sherman was a top-ranked wide receiver at Stanford University and was named the team’s leading receiver from 2006 to 2008. A knee injury forced him to sit out his junior year and he was later redshirted. In spring 2009, the team saw fit to turn Sherman into a cornerback, and he showed his talent against both wide receivers.
His speed
Several NFL draft analysts compared Sherman to every long-armed, brash cornerback in the 2010 draft. Mock drafters ignored defensive backs with less than 32-inch arms. Sherman was the rare pass defender with outstanding ball skills and an eye for interceptions. His speed, athleticism, and aggressiveness landed him on the fourth overall pick. But that doesn’t mean his speed is limited.
Though Richard is now a starter at left cornerback, he learned from Carroll in 2011. The veteran defensive end leaned on his speed, especially when he defended the quarterback. Sherman’s speed made him a great fit for Carroll’s system. But his lack of physicality and quickness made him vulnerable to pass rushes. Despite this, Carroll was not satisfied with the depth of his secondary.
The speed-based defensive backs at the 2011 combine were split between two groups: a group with top corners and a group of guys who were the consensus’ top cornerback prospect. Of course, there are also other players who lacked speed and size. But there was one cornerback who impressed everyone – Richard Sherman. Despite his size, Sherman exhibited excellent coverage against DeSean Jackson.
A quick-footed cornerback like Sherman is an elite athlete. He was drafted as the number three cornerback in the NFL draft. By the end of the season, Davante Adams had taken over Boykin’s number three role. In this situation, Sherman is in a position to cover the route without losing the quarterback. If Rodgers were to throw the ball deep, Sherman would have a good chance to intercept it.
His ability to make plays in the NFL
The most common theory that explains why Richard Sherman was drafted so low is that he lacks the explosiveness to make plays in the NFL. According to ESPN’s Scouts Inc., however, Sherman’s scouting reports are positive and should be reflected in his draft profile. He was ranked a 30-point prospect by this group and has a poor coverage ability. However, his scouting report does not reflect that.
While he may not be the fastest player in the world, his size and agility have a significant impact on his ability to make plays. In the Week 17 game against the St. Louis Rams, Sherman faced multiple vertical routes. The Rams lined up in a Trips Right formation with three receivers lined up to the right. From this position, they ran a four-vertical concept. Sherman played well against Jackson as the deep third defender in Cover 3.
Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider admitted that the Seahawks wanted Sherman during the 2011 NFL Combine. It was hard to ignore the desire to draft such a talented athlete. But Carroll’s philosophy is “all about the ball” and he was drafted so low because of his ability to make plays. That is one of the main reasons Sherman was drafted so low.
Although he was drafted so low, Richard Sherman is already making plays in the NFL. He was one of the best corners in the NFL and was a major contributor to the Seattle Seahawks’ history-making defense. The Seahawks drafted Sherman 149 spots lower than the 49ers, and now he will go down in the hall of fame. And what about his off-field exploits?
There are two ways to determine whether a player will make the Hall of Fame. The first is based on his career, but you can also look at the odds for a particular player’s Hall of Fame eligibility based on their career statistics. In this article, we’ll consider the probabilities and chances of players’ Hall of Fame inclusion, regardless of their position in the NFL.
Probability of
The NFL is in its annual voting process and the odds of Larry Fitzgerald making the Hall of Fame are not all that high. The wide receiver has had an outstanding career with the Cardinals. He has played 17 seasons and has surpassed Jerry Rice’s receiving yardage and touchdowns records twice. He has also been named to 11 Pro Bowl teams. In addition to receiving yards, Larry Fitzgerald has 24 NFL records and 40 franchise records. Those records have to be looked at in light of his recent performances.
If Fitzgerald can stay healthy, he should make it in the NFL Hall of Fame. He was the league’s best wide receiver for five seasons. His 2008-09 season was his best, as he led the NFL in receiving touchdowns. He was also arguably the most productive wide receiver in the playoffs. A few more years of NFL retirement will do him no harm either. With his recent production, he can still be considered a first ballot selection for the Hall of Fame.
While Fitzgerald’s odds for the Hall of Fame are low, his prodigious play and father’s influence, the former Vikings coach, could help him make it. After all, Fitzgerald’s father is one of the best sports journalists in the Twin Cities. He also worked with Randy Moss and Cris Carter, as well as Vikings head coach Denny Green. It’s no surprise that his father had a great impact on his success.
Another strong candidate for the Hall of Fame is rookie A.J. Green. He had seven consecutive Pro Bowls, which is a rare feat in the league. He has been a pro Bowler in each of the past two years, but has missed 23 games in the past two years and will probably miss a few more games before he’s Hall-eligible again. If that happens, he’ll surely be in the Hall of Fame.
The two other players in the NFL with similar stats are DeAndre Hopkins and RB Carlos Hyde. Although both players have been suspended for six games following positive drug tests, Fitzgerald believes Hopkins won’t prevent him from making the Hall of Fame. Although Hopkins’ six-game suspension is a big setback for Fitzgerald, he’s likely to play well throughout the rest of the season. It’s difficult to predict who will make it in the Hall of Fame, but Fitzgerald has a great chance.
Player’s career
With his current status as an unrestricted free agent, how likely is Larry Fitzgerald to make the NFL Hall of Fame? The wide receiver was drafted No. 3 overall in the 2004 NFL Draft and went on to become the league’s second-leading receiving player with 1,642 yards and 22 touchdowns. While Fitzgerald has not officially retired, he has flirted with the idea of retiring after his sophomore season. However, his return to the game was met with a setback after testing positive for COVID-19. He missed multiple games for the first time since 2014, resulting in his replacement being A.J. Green.
If the Vikings sign Fitzgerald, they will get a dependable slot option in the middle of the offense. Fitzgerald has a proven track record and would elevate the passing game and receiving corps. He would also give the Baltimore Ravens a big boost, as their receiving game ranked dead last in the league. Fitzgerald’s presence in the slot would elevate the entire receiving corps, which finished last in the NFL in receiving yards per game last season.
The Cardinals’ defense has a strong core of talented players. The team has some great defenders in the middle. Trent Williams, for example, has played as an offensive tackle in Washington before being traded to the 49ers. In 2020, he made his career-best play. Meanwhile, DeAndre Hopkins and A.J. Green are among the best athletes in the NFL. All three are destined to be Hall of Fame candidates.
The Cardinals’ wide receiver can join the hall of fame in T-minus four seasons. The Hall of Fame votes on first-ballot players and the NFL’s first ballot. The HOF also has a list of current players. Quenton Nelson, a member of the Colts’ roster, is another future Hall of Fame candidate. So, how likely is Larry Fitzgerald to make the NFL HOF?
The Arizona Cardinals’ legendary wide receiver does not believe DeAndre Hopkins will prevent him from making the Hall of Fame. Hopkins, meanwhile, is facing a six-game suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs in November. Fitzgerald didn’t play in 2021. Fitzgerald has no plans to return to football. Despite his past controversy, he will still be a Hall of Fame candidate someday.
Chance of making Hall of Fame
If the NFL’s voters were to consider the wide receiver’s career achievements and votes for Hall of Fame candidates, they would most likely vote for Larry Fitzgerald. Besides being a Hall of Fame candidate, Fitzgerald is the second-highest receiving yards player of all time, trailing only Jerry Rice. His 1,432 career receptions rank him sixth on the all-time receiving yards list. And he leads all active receivers in receiving touchdowns. Furthermore, Fitzgerald is a first-ballot Hall of Fame candidate, being ranked second in yards and receptions. He also has a record-breaking 11-time Pro Bowl selection. In 2008, Fitzgerald led the NFL in receiving yards and receptions.
The other candidates for Hall of Fame eligibility are Kyler Murray and Matt Ryan. Murray is the first runner-up, while Fitzgerald’s numbers haven’t been that high over the last few seasons. The Bears’ secondary is stacked with Hall of Fame candidates. However, Fitzgerald’s low kickoff percentage makes him a fringe candidate. And since he is the No. 1 wide receiver in Arizona, there’s a good chance he will make it there.
While playing for the Pittsburgh Panthers in 2003, Fitzgerald was widely regarded as the best wide receiver in college football. His sophomore season, he started the year with six catches for 123 yards and a touchdown against Kent State, then continued with seven receptions for 124 yards and three touchdowns against Ball State and Ohio State. Against Texas A&M, he posted two touchdowns and 17 tackles in a 37-26 victory over the Aggies.
Aside from Ward, another wide receiver on the first ballot has the highest chance of making the Hall of Fame. He’ll likely be the eighth wide receiver inducted. And while Fitzgerald is a top-tier player, he’s no guarantee of a spot in the Hall. A few things are worth noting before voting. The first-ballot ballot has yet to be completed, but Fitzgerald’s record speaks for itself.
If his retirement is delayed, the Cardinals are likely to open a spot for him. But if his retirement date is too far off, the team will still have a spot for him. While the NFL waits for him to make an official announcement, Fitzgerald will be co-hosting a radio show with Brady on Mad Dog Sports Radio, “Let’s Go!” The show airs Mondays at 6 p.m. ET on SiriusXM.
Chances of making Hall of Fame
With only 17 seasons under his belt, the Arizona Cardinals are unsure about whether to consider drafting Larry Fitzgerald in the NFL Hall of Fame. The wide receiver has a storied career, leading the NFL in receptions and touchdowns twice, and has been named to eleven Pro Bowl teams. He won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2015 and was a First Team All-Pro in 2008. Despite his age, Fitzgerald still continues to be productive, earning three straight Pro Bowl trips, as well as the Cardinals’ winning Super Bowl championship.
The Arizona Cardinals haven’t made a formal announcement regarding their future plans, but a new head coach, Kliff Kingsbury, has hinted that the team will keep an open spot for Fitzgerald. Though the former wide receiver has yet to make an official announcement about his future in football, he will soon begin a weekly radio show with Tom Brady. “Let’s Go!” airs on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio on Mondays at 6 p.m. ET.
In addition to Fitzgerald, other notable players to watch include WR Tyreek Hill, who has been named to the Pro Bowl three times and a Super Bowl MVP. Meanwhile, WR Chris Jones, a two-time Pro Bowler, has a chance to earn Hall of Fame consideration. And don’t forget about the stud running backs, like Terrell Suggs, who is a strong, steady, and underrated runner.
The chances of Fitzgerald making the NFL Hall of Fame are slim. He won the 2004 Super Bowl and is ranked third overall in the career receiving yards and receptions. In addition, he holds the record for receiving yards in the NCAA after his sophomore year. While Fitzgerald was drafted third overall, he ranked second in the college draft and led the NCAA in receiving in 2003 with 92 receptions and 22 touchdowns.
If you are a fan of Fitzgerald’s early career, you can’t deny his contributions to the Arizona Cardinals. After all, he was a former ball boy for the Minnesota Vikings. His father, Dennis Green, drafted Fitzgerald and Randy Moss. While the samples are small, his 2004 season was highly successful. He had 59 receptions for 780 yards and eight touchdowns in his rookie season.