Decamerion Richardson Drafted by Las Vegas Raiders in 2024 NFL Draft
Decamerion Richardson, a standout cornerback from Mississippi State University, has been drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders with the 112th pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Louisiana native is the third straight MSU cornerback to be selected in the NFL draft, following in the footsteps of Emmanuel Forbes and Martin Emerson.
Richardson, the first Bulldog off the board in this year’s draft, is the lone Mississippi State product heading to Las Vegas. Known for his size and physicality, Richardson was the best pure athlete on the Bulldog roster last season.
A two-year starter at MSU, Richardson led all SEC corners in tackles in 2022 and 2023. His impressive performance on the field earned him a spot on the 2023 SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll.
At the NFL Combine and Pro Day, Richardson showcased his athleticism with a 40-yard dash time of 4.34 seconds and a vertical jump of 35 inches. Despite some critiques about his coverage skills, Richardson’s size and speed make him an intriguing prospect for the Raiders.
NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein notes Richardson’s outstanding physical features but points out his below-average coverage skills. However, Richardson’s size and speed could make him a valuable asset in the right scheme.
Mock drafts predict Richardson to go in the fourth round, with Chad Reuter of NFL Network projecting him to the Kansas City Chiefs with the 131st pick.
In reflecting on his draft journey, Richardson emphasized the importance of staying focused and credited Mississippi State and his coach Darcel McBath for preparing him for this moment.
As Richardson embarks on his NFL career with the Las Vegas Raiders, fans will be eager to see how his athleticism and physicality translate to the professional level.