April 25, 2013
NEW YORK - University of Missouri defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (St. Louis, Mo.) was selected with the #13 overall pick in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft Thursday night by the New York Jets.
Richardson became the sixth Mizzou Tiger standout to be drafted in the first round since 2009, joining DL Aldon Smith (#7 to San Francisco in 2011), QB Blaine Gabbert (#10 to Jacksonville in 2011), LB Sean Weatherspoon (#19 to Atlanta in 2010), WR Jeremy Maclin (#19 to Philadelphia in 2009) and DL Ziggy Hood (#32 to Pittsburgh in 2009).
Richardson is the 18th Tiger in history to be taken in the NFL's first round. Prior to tonight's first round, Mizzou already stood in select company with its recent draft history, as its five first-round selections in the 2009 through 2012 drafts ranked as third-best in the nation, trailing only Alabama (11) and USC (6).
"We're very excited for Sheldon and his family tonight, and for the great future he's going to have in the NFL," said Mizzou Head Coach Gary Pinkel. "Sheldon was with us for a short time, but he was a difference maker and he made us a better defense without question. He's ready for the NFL, and we're looking forward to seeing him represent Mizzou for a long time to come. Sheldon had a lot of pride in this place, and we're very proud of him for achieving this dream that he's had for a long time," Pinkel said.
Richardson is the 22nd Mizzou Tiger to play under Pinkel to hear his name called for the NFL Draft since Pinkel took over in 2001.
Here's a rundown of Mizzou's first-round NFL Draft pick history...
Year Round Pick Overall Tiger Team Position
2013 1 13 13 Sheldon Richardson Jets DL
2011 1 7 7 Aldon Smith 49ers DE
2011 1 10 10 Blaine Gabbert Jaguars QB
2010 1 19 19 Sean Weatherspoon Falcons LB
2009 1 19 19 Jeremy Maclin Eagles WR
2009 1 32 32 Ziggy Hood Steelers DL
2001 1 4 4 Justin Smith Bengals DE
1987 1 15 15 John Clay Raiders T
1981 1 26 26 Howard Richards Cowboys T
1979 1 13 13 Kellen Winslow Chargers TE
1977 1 11 11 Morris Towns Oilers T
1977 1 19 19 Steve Pisarkiewicz Cardinals QB
1971 1 11 11 Joe Moore Bears RB
1969 1 19 19 Roger Wehrli Cardinals DB
1968 1 4 4 Russ Washington Chargers T
1966 1 10 10 Francis Peay Giants T
1946 1 8 8 Bill Dellastatious Lions B
1943 1 9 9 Bob Steuber Bears RB
Here's a recap of all of the NFL Draft picks to play for Gary Pinkel at Mizzou...
Year Round Pick Overall Tiger Team Position
2013 1 13 13 Sheldon Richardson Jets DL
2012 3 15 78 Michael Egnew Dolphins TE
2011 1 7 7 Aldon Smith 49ers DE
2011 1 10 10 Blaine Gabbert Jaguars QB
2011 7 31 234 Andrew Gachkar Chargers LB
2010 1 19 19 Sean Weatherspoon Falcons LB
2009 1 19 19 Jeremy Maclin Eagles WR
2009 1 32 32 Ziggy Hood Steelers DL
2009 2 23 55 William Moore Falcons S
2009 3 34 98 Chase Coffman Bengals TE
2009 5 3 139 Colin Brown Chiefs OL
2009 6 26 199 Stryker Sulak Raiders DL
2008 4 6 105 Will Franklin Chiefs WR
2008 4 12 111 Martin Rucker Browns TE
2007 4 16 113 Brian Smith Jaguars DE
2006 4 6 103 Brad Smith Jets WR
2006 7 35 243 Tony Palmer Rams G
2005 3 25 89 Atiyyah Ellison Panthers DT
2005 5 6 142 Damien Nash Titans RB
2005 6 17 191 C.J. Mosley Vikings DT
2003 5 8 143 Justin Gage Bears WR
2003 6 41 214 Keith Wright Texans DT