All he needed was one year to show what he could do.
Wide receiver Richard Mullaney transferred to Alabama from Oregon State last season. He was a 1,000-yard target in three seasons with the Beavers (2012-14), but Mullaney became a reliable wide out for quarterback Jacob Coker during the Crimson Tide’s national championship run in 2015.
He laid out for every pass and was an exceptional possession guy, totaling 38 catches for 390 yards and five touchdowns. Three of his five scores came against Ole Miss and Florida.
The 6-foot-3, 207-pounder was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine; however, he gained much attention during Wednesday’s pro day for the Tide.
Alabama WR Richard Mullaney run in between a 4.45 and 4.55 in the 40- yard dash. Dude can move. pic.twitter.com/h0cVujykLF
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) March 10, 2016
He was clocked in between 4.45 seconds and 4.55 seconds in the 40-yard dash, according to SEC Network analyst Greg McElroy. Mullaney’s broad jump of 9’3″ was tied for second among all players that participated. His speed was good, yet NFL scouts were more enamored with his hands and route running abilities.
Alabama WR prospect Richard Mullaney (@Rmullaney08) showing off the hands at pro day. pic.twitter.com/rW3mH8gvaf
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) March 10, 2016
He caught nearly every pass that Coker threw to him.
Mullaney’s footwork on slant patterns, out routes and post routes to the inside were smooth. His ability to snag the football while tightroping the sideline was exceptional.
More of WR Richard Mullaney working the out routes. pic.twitter.com/eHGqnKD64v
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) March 10, 2016
QB Country, a training and development station in Mobile, Ala., worked with both Coker and Mullaney in the offseason prior to Wednesday.
VERY Impressed by @Rmullaney08 over the last wk. Good guy. Very good size/speed/hands. GREAT work ethic! NFL Future! pic.twitter.com/Lyh2vhhYua
— QB Country (@QBCountry) March 10, 2016
Twelve NFL teams could use a wide receiver, with two of them—Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals—requesting the role as a top need.
NFL franchises that could use a wide receiver
Cleveland Browns
Baltimore Ravens
Philadelphia Eagles
New York Giants
Los Angeles Rams
Washington Redskins
Houston Texans
Kansas City Chiefs
New England Patriots
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
