BTB's 2013 Community Mock And Prospect Profile: Carolina Lines Up A Solution

NFL.com Draft Grade: 90.7

-- Drafttek.com ranked #9 Overall, #2 at the position

-- Russ Lande, National Football Post: #15 Overall, #3 at the position

SUMMARY - Sheldon Richardson was an exciting player to evaluate because he plays at such a consistently high level. He displays the athleticism and timing off the snap to win gaps, as well as the anchor and heavy hands needed to occupy and work off blockers at the LOS. While he lacks natural explosion and long speed he is effective in space because of his read and react skills, as well as his ability to break down and change directions efficiently. Richardson's intensity and passion for football not only show up in his play on the field but also during interviews, and teams are sure to fall in love with his intangibles as well. He is likely to be a top 20 pick and should develop into a highly productive NFL player as either a 43 DT or 34 DE.

-- CBSSports.com ranked #17 overall, #3 at the position

-- DraftInsider.Net ranked #15 overall, #3 at the position

-- DraftCountdown ranked #13 overall, #3 at the position

-- Scout.com ranked #16 overall, #13 at the position

-- Mike Mayock ranked #2 at the position

-- NFLDraftScout.com profile (Rob Rang):

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.