NFL DraftScouting Reports

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Mazin Richards, EDGE, North Texas

Mazin Richards displays great motor and intensity as the star edge rusher for North Texas. Hula Bowl scout Elijah Ballew breaks down Richards as an NFL Prospect in his report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #Mazin Richards, #44
School (Code)TXNO
Class YrR-SR
Height, Weight6006, 245
40 Yd Dash4.76e
Position/DepthOLB/EDGE, 1
Honors/CaptainshipPFF 1st Team All-C-USA (2022), LSC Defensive Lineman of the Year (2021), 1st Team All-LSC Defense (2021), 2nd Team All-LSC Defense (2019)
Season Viewed (yr)2022
Games WatchedTXMU, LATC, @ IDBO (Bowl Game)
Scout Name / DateElijah Ballew, 8/3/2023

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

202214 GP, 78 TCKL, 12.5 TFL, 7.5 SCKS, 5 QBH, 1 PBU
20219 GP, 26 TCKL, 12.5 TFL, 8.5 SCKS, 3 FF, 4 QBH, 1 PBU  (Eastern New Mexico)
2020DNP  (Eastern New Mexico)
201912 GP, 36 TCKL, 14.5 TFL, 12.5 SCKS, 1 INT, 2 PBU  (Eastern New Mexico)

Player Summary:

Mazin Richards started every game for North Texas last season as a promising D-II transfer from Eastern New Mexico University. Richards plays the ‘Devil’ role for the Mean Green defense, usually lined up at the end of the defensive line or hovering in the flat. He has a violent get off from the line of scrimmage and uses active hands to fight through blocks. Richards has a great speed rush package, including a jab step crossover that demonstrates good body control and quick feet. He plays with high level effort and hustles to play through the whistle. Richards possesses great reaction time, recovery speed, and lateral movement skills to stick with receivers in coverage while remaining aware of the run threat, allowing him to excel defending the perimeter in zone coverage. He plays with good bend, maintains sight of the ball carrier, and navigates traffic well, using good read and react ability to dart into the backfield and wrap up the ball carrier. Richards can, however, get caught between bigger bodies as gaps close due to his size. He struggles when lined up directly against tackles with an elite frame and reach, and has to kick out to more of a wide 9 start to allow for more ground to speed rush. Due to his ability in space and smaller stature, Richards projects to be a linebacker at the next level with significant upside on special teams.

Scheme Fit:

Overhang LB in a 3-4 front

Power Statement:

Mazin Richards is a player with great quickness, pursuit, and coverage ability who shows promise as a linebacker and with upside on special teams.

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