As the Jets get close to training camp, I am going to examine the roster and give you my top 25 players. Each weekday, we will reveal another person on the list, leading right into camp. I am not including rookies on this list because I do not feel it is possible to fully evaluate them before they play a game. I also am not including Ryan Fitzpatrick on the list because he is not technically a Jet at this time.
No. 4: Sheldon Richardson
Last year’s ranking: 3
Position: Defensive lineman
Age: 25
How acquired: Selected in the first round of the 2013 Draft
Years left on contract: 2
2016 Salary Cap figure: $3.1 million
Looking back at 2015: It was a very strange season for Richardson. It began with him receiving a four-game suspension for violating the league’s drug policy. Then he was arrested in Missouri, something that became public on the first day of training camp.
On the field, Richardson missed five games total – four from the suspension and one due to a hamstring injury. He spent most of the season playing outside linebacker as Todd Bowles searched for answers at that position. The move hurt Richardson’s production. The speed that makes him a devastating player on the interior is not as exceptional on the outside. He also had to adjust to playing in a two-point stance. The move was made to help the team, but it hurt Richardson.
Richardson finished the year with 35 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, two passes defended, nine quarterback hits and 39 hurries.
The suspension seemed to have an effect on Richardson mentally during training camp, and that was tough for him to overcome when he returned. The year was not completely lost for Richardson, who put up respectable numbers, but it was not up to par to what he did in his first two seasons.
Outlook for 2016: Bowles said this spring that Richardson’s days at linebacker are over. That should provide a boost to Richardson’s stats.
He will start the season watching from home again, though, after the NFL suspended him for the season opener because of last year’s arrest. When Richardson returns, I would expect a focused player eager to put up huge numbers. I would expect Richardson to start looking for a new contract next offseason with one year remaining on his deal. Richardson has spoken about his desire for big bucks before and landing a big contract will be a motivating factor for him this season.
Richardson is an immensely talented player who should have a big year for the Jets as he returns to the interior line — where he belongs.
