Sheldon Richardson
DT, Missouri · 2013 NFL Draft, Round 1, pick #13 (NYJ)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, availability. Details below.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 138 of ~145 possible regular-season games from 2013 through 2021 (~95%). Last NFL season: 2021.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #14 (#3 at his position), close to where he went (#13).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Missouri: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 5.02 40-yard dash at 294 lbs: faster than 32% of DLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
DT (DL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53% of the time (966 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 138 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 8 |
| Pro Bowls | 1 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 61 |
| Rushing | 4 att, 4 yds, 2 TD |
| Defense | 297 tackles, 33.5 sacks, 1 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2021 |
The 2013 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2013 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 | |
| Position DL | 53.0% n=966 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 2", 294 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 5.02 s |
| Bench press | 30 reps |
| Vertical | 32" |
| Broad jump | 116" |
| Arm / hand | 34.4" / 10.4" |
| Age at draft | 22 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #14 overall (#3 DT) |
Picked around him 2013 redraft
| 10 | Chance Warmack | redraft #68 |
| 11 | D.J. Fluker | redraft #27 |
| 12 | D.J. Hayden | redraft #90 |
| 14 | Star Lotulelei | redraft #24 |
| 15 | Kenny Vaccaro | redraft #45 |
| 16 | EJ Manuel | redraft #118 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.