Anyone else think the Sheldon Richardson mocks are just "experts" being lazy?

[dbulls874]

I agree with OP. Lazy is exactly right. I doubt they take another three technique defensive tackle unless he is far and away the best player available. The mock drafters have Richardson there because they think he's a combination of BPA and a need, but in reality the need is at the other tackle spot, where Ron Edwards will have to be replaced. So Richardson would have to be the obvious BPA, and BPA only goes so far. For example, if BPA at 14 was Geno Smith or Eddie Lacy, that thinking would go right out the window.

If Star's there, I'd be thrilled for them to take him. I'm not in the business of advocating who they shouldn't take anymore, as I was disappointed when they grabbed Uncle Luke last year, which was shortsighted of me. If they DO take Richardson, I'll be convinced Ron and DG have their reasons. But I think if Star is gone they'll go best available WR, CB, S, or OL, with an eye on safety or DT in round 2 if not taken at 14.

[Swaggasaurus]

I love Star to but I would be happy with Richardson as well. He so versatile and if he is taking up 2 blockers we win regardless. Because that mean Luck isn't dealing with a guard and they are going 1-1 with CJ and Hardy.

We don't win if the two blockers push him out of his gap and into our LB. That makes us losers, in a big way.

[CharlottePanther]

I will admit, as awful as Hurney was, I atleast didnt fret about our 1st round picks because I knew Hurney hit on nearly all of his 1st rounders, we really have no idea what to expect from Gman. Dont get me wrong, Im not supporting Hurney and am very glad we have Gman now,

[Peppers90 NC]

Not really, pretty much all mock drafts are based on need. And since no team is going to give out reliable information about who they are really considering, what else is there to go by?

[rayzor]

I will admit, as awful as Hurney was, I atleast didnt fret about our 1st round picks because I knew Hurney hit on nearly all of his 1st rounders, we really have no idea what to expect from Gman. Dont get me wrong, Im not supporting Hurney and am very glad we have Gman now,

this was one of the many frustrating things about hurney.

the guy with only one real exception (otah) hit it every year, but he was always looking to trade that pick away. i blame it on being a gambling addict.

[koolkatluke]

We don't win if the two blockers push him out of his gap and into our LB. That makes us losers, in a big way.

if they are dedicating 2 blockers to him then they aren't doubling CJ or Hardy. Which falls to our benefit. Plus this idea that every play ran at Richardson he gets blown out is overly exaggerated.

[Swaggasaurus]

if they are dedicating 2 blockers to him then they aren't doubling CJ or Hardy. Which falls to our benefit. Plus this idea that every play ran at Richardson he gets blown out is overly exaggerated.

No it does not, if they ran at his gap and two blockers blow him out. CJ and Hardy on the end can pursue, but they have their own gaps to defend in the run. The RB can be 5 yards up the field by the time they can assist with pursuit. Plain and simple, if you cannot hold your gap in the run game, the run D will suffer. And believe me, they won't need to double him in the run game if they run at his gap. One man will do the job.

[cultclassiccat]

Seriously, we have worked 10 WRs. 10! We have not had any private workouts with Sheldon Richardson yet whatsoever. Are the so called draft experts" just putting down Sheldon Richardson by default just out of laziness, seriously. How can we have meetings with 10 different WRs and no meetings with Richardson, yet its unamious that all the experts say hes the guy and they wont budge?

haha i thought this too

has to be the smitty quote..

I did not watch anything of him in college, so relying on the mocks was the easiest thing to do. I see an undersized plug for our dt hole. I want a big mf like 6'4ish 330ish to really knock some fuggers around in there, same with the O'line.

[cultclassiccat]

Yes they are, since smitty wants him too. It's easier to mock him to us. It it is me too because I look forward to new mocks and seeing Richardson at #14 be the only thing that remains the same.

this

its like they dont even care. 80% of the drafts have us taking him wtf. So fregn annoying mock after mock after mock after mock, same poo.

[carolina-chuck]

Maybe. Only person I trust is Mayock. Has any of his mock(s) come out yet?

[micnificent28]

As good as he may be just doesn't fit. I hate the richardson mocks. A pass rushing dt would rank below wr cb ol safety and mayb lb for me.

[The Huddler]

Call me a tard but i want Mr Rich at 14

[koolkatluke]

No it does not, if they ran at his gap and two blockers blow him out. CJ and Hardy on the end can pursue, but they have their own gaps to defend in the run. The RB can be 5 yards up the field by the time they can assist with pursuit. Plain and simple, if you cannot hold your gap in the run game, the run D will suffer. And believe me, they won't need to double him in the run game if they run at his gap. One man will do the job.

And Again this idea of him getting blown out and not being able to hold his gap is overblown.

Strengths: Possesses a naturally large frame with proper weight distribution throughout his arms and legs. Has a thick trunk conducive to standing his ground in short-yardage situations. Is quick off the snap, demonstrating the burst to slip through gaps before trap blocks can be effective. Possesses a short area burst to close and surprising flexibility to adjust and make tackles in space. Shows good balance and recognition against cut blocks. Active hands to handcuff offensive linemen attempting to get into his pads and control, demonstrating a quick, fluid arm-over swim move and good strength to rip free from his opponent. Excellent vision and recognition to take advantage of his ability to disengage from blocks and put himself in position to make plays, showing the ability to sniff out screens, draws, etc. Athletic and instinctive enough that the Missouri defensive coaches would occasionally drop him back into coverage on zone blitzes... Showed a terrific motor throughout the 2012 season, often hustling down the line and yards downfield (at times 20 yards+) in pursuit of the ball. Closes quickly and with power, exploding into tackles and showing good hand-eye coordination to strip the ball away. Stepped up his level of play against top competition (Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, Arizona State). Has the size and athleticism of a future Pro Bowl defensive tackle.

Weaknesses: Has only had one dominant season at the FBS level (just 13 starts in 24 games) and there is some concern about how motivated he'll remain once he signs a big NFL contract. Has a tendency to stand up out of his stance and lose the leverage battle, occasionally struggling to break free until it's too late in short-yardage situations. More productive rushing the passer, recognizing the dump-off pass and pursuing from behind with passion than actually getting home for the QB sack (just three sacks in his "dominant" 2012 campaign)... Has struggled with academics in the past, resulting in his transferring to a junior college after signing with Missouri as a highly touted prep. Was also suspended for Missouri's final home game of the 2012 season (Syracuse) for violating team rules, reportedly for academics)... Teams will want to have their medical staffs check out Richardson at the Combine, as he underwent shoulder surgery following the 2011 season.

Compares To: Tyson Alualu, DT, Jacksonville Jaguars - If NFL scouts are convinced he'll maintain it once he cashes his first paycheck, the combination of size, athleticism and the high-revving motor Richardson demonstrated this season could lead to a shockingly high grade for Mizzou star, just as it did for Alualu, the surprise No. 10 overall pick of the 2010 draft.

--Rob Rang

[koolkatluke]

Strengths

Scouts like the light feet Richardson shows for his size, as he is able to twist inside and chase plays to the sideline with great speed. That agility, combined with his length, makes him a strong tackler in close quarters. Richardson’s first step off the snap, especially when lined up over the ball, is quite impressive; he gets into the backfield in a heartbeat, beating reach-blocks and will work his way through double-teams if he sees the ball in the quarterback’s hands. He plays with leverage at the point of attack at times despite his height, holding his ground and wrestling with attitude. Has enough athleticism that Missouri uses him as a standup rusher and to drop into short zone coverages over the middle of the field, where shows the ability to cover crossing receivers and tight ends in a short area

Weaknesses

Richardson can struggle to break down and his upper-body strength is not elite, which means his high pad level and failure to use his hands to shed blocks can allow him to get turned from the hole and taken to the ground once off-balance. He had surgery in the offseason to repair a shoulder injury, so he must show his strength has improved. A better player in pursuit than he is holding the point against the run, where he can struggle to anchor. Drag down lunging tackler that misses ball carriers in space.

NFL Comparison

Cullen Jenkins

Again his weakness can be fixed with better technic but he has the frame and ability to do it. Nothing in the breakdown says he will never be able to do it.