Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB LeGarrette Blount would now "welcome" draft prospect RB Trent Richardson
As the April 26 date for the start of the National Football League (NFL) drafts approaches closer speculation is rife on which young talents will become the top five picks in the first round.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold the number five draft pick this year and are rumoured to draft either running back, Trent Richardson from Alabama University or cornerback, Morris Claiborne of Louisiana State University (LSU).
The speculation that Richardson will be drafted by Tampa Bay with the fifth pick was not welcomed at first by the Buccaneers LeGarrette Blount who will then have to compete for the starting berth with the talented rookie.
In an earlier interview Blount said that he will not be happy if the young running back arrived in Tampa Bay but now the 25-year-old has taken back his words.
In an interview with the Tampa Bay Times on Wednesday, Blount tracked back on his earlier statement and said that he would welcome Richardson to the locker room if he arrives.
"Like I said, it was just a comment. There's nothing for anybody to read too deep into. You know, there's not nothing I would want to explain. It was just a comment, and I left it at that.”
Adding further he said.
"Of course. I'd welcome him as a teammate. I've met the guy before. He's not a bad kid, but at the same time, like I said, I'd welcome anything that helps the team get better. I'd welcome anybody as a teammate, it doesn't matter who it is."
Richardson’s arrival at the Buccaneers would provide quarterback, Josh Freeman with another weapon and the rookie has impressed scouts throughout his college career.
Buccaneers cornerback, Ronde Barber though said in an earlier interview that he is in no doubt that Tampa Bay would bring in LSU’s Morris Claiborne with the pick to shore up one of last year’s worst league defences.
It all depends on new head coach, Greg Schiano and general manager, Mark Dominik to move for the player needed most.
Schiano has been a public admirer of Richardson’s talent and his control of the ball, however, fans have to wait till April 26 to find out exactly which of the two brilliant talents will don the Buccaneers colours in the 2012-13 season.
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