Sheldon Richardson is a fun-loving guy that isn’t afraid to showcase his comedic abilities. On the field, there is nothing funny about seeing Richardson near you. He is a guy that knows how to be a nightmare for the opposing team with his unique combination of size, speed, and quickness to get into the backfield of his opponent.
After a dominant junior season for Mizzou, Richardson decided it was time to take his talents to the next level. All he did was go out and lead the SEC for tackles by a lineman (75), while adding 10.5 tackles for a loss with 4.5 sacks. The biggest transition for Richardson might be solidifying his position in the NFL. Scouts are currently viewing him as a potential swingman for their defensive roster, though Richardson projects as more of a down-lineman in a 3-4 defensive scheme.
Richardson, a 6-foot-3, 294-pound is a hybrid defensive lineman and linebacker combination for NFL teams. He is regarded as a consensus first-round pick, and one of the 23 players invited to attend Radio City Music Hall for the NFL draft. If Richardson’s name is called in the first round, Missouri will be able to claim six NFL first-round picks within the last five years. On if there are any specific franchises Richardson has in mind, the former-Tiger had this to say.
“There are a few teams that I really fit well with and there are others that I really enjoy the coaching staff, but as of now, it’s a tossup and I just wanted to be drafted as high as possible.
After watching Sheldon Richardson light up the fan-base at Faurot Field, Richardson is excited about his chance to make an NFL roster. However, the former-Tiger has this to say about his time at the University of Missouri.
“This has been my dream ever since I was a little kid,” said Richardson. “It’s still not easy leaving Mizzou like this, but I know I’m ready. I really appreciate all the support I got here at Mizzou, and I know that they will help me and my family with his next step. I’ll always be a Tiger.”
When making the transition from the college level to the pros, many athletes get swept up in all of the media and off-season activities that they sometimes lose the excitement of living in the moment. Curious, I asked Richardson if he had any special plans or activities planned while in the Big Apple.
“I’m just embracing this moment with my family. Really smelling the roses. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m just really happy to be one of the guys to be here.”
Smell the roses Sheldon, because you will surely be hearing your name call Sunday. Richardson will add a rare combination of power and speed to the NFL team that takes a chance on him. With the recent success by Missouri products recently drafted, Richardson is sure to perform well wherever he ends up. As it stands, Richardson is expected to be drafted in the middle of the first round by Carolina or New Orleans.
