SeahawksFanForever wrote:Who does Sheldon Richardson compared to in the NFL?
I love making player comparisons. Never perfect, but powerful nonetheless as an easy abstract way of communicating something intensely complex.
That said, there are so few good DTs in the NFL, or even in recent decades, that it's tough to find one that seems appropriate. In terms of attitude and intensity, he reminds me of Warren Sapp, but Sapp was so much more dominant physically.
Another player he reminds me of a little is Derek Wolfe, a DT I loved last year who was an early 2nd for the Broncos and had 6 sacks in his very first season. Both have "bumble bee" bodies, for lack of a better term. Smallish lower bodies but giant back/shoulders.

Watching Richardson, I feel like I am watching a giant bumble bee up there. It's weird, but that's what his body type always reminds me of.
Derek Wolfe was the same thing body type wise.
Both were extreme high motor types too. Unfortunately, Wolfe was actually a better prospect. He was a beast against the run (Richardson is okay but not amazing), and Wolfe has a shitload of upper body strength, a little like John Simon. Wolfe basically "beasted" around blocks, Richardson is more of a quick/smart/arm-use/athletic guy.
I wouldn't trade up for Richardson. This draft is too good. Too deep. You'd be giving up two really good players for one. However, if it did happen I'd support it. That's a steep price to pay, but Richardson will make a difference for us, and the list of difference makers in this draft at DT is a very short one.