Sheldon Richardson And Two Other Missouri Tigers Set To Begin NFL Combine

October 27, 2012; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson (34) and running back Jared McGriff-Culver (38) prepare to enter the field with their teammates before kickoff at Faurot Field. The Missouri Tigers defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 33-10. Mandatory Credit: Dak Dillon-USA TODAY Sports

Three former Missouri Tigers will participate in the NFL Combine, which runs from February 20-26. DT Sheldon Richardson, WR T.J. Moe, and LB Zaviar Gooden all received invites to show off their skills to NFL Scouts this week in Indianapolis.

Defensive tackle, Sheldon Richardson, will garner the most attention out of the three. Richardson is ranked as the No. 10 overall prospect according to ESPN’s Scouts Inc. Richardson was a force on Missouri’s defensive line in 2012. Richardson recorded 75 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks in 2012. He also had 7 QB hurries and 3 forced fumbles.

Richardson showed very good athleticism for a man his size. He was a high motor guy, who consistently got a great first step off the snap. His success in 2012, earned him 1st team All-SEC honors.

Richardson had grade issues coming out of high school and was suspended one game in 2012 for violating team rules. I don’t see this as a huge issue going forward and I expect him to be a Top 20 pick.

LB, Zaviar Gooden, is the second highest ranked player from Mizzou. Gooden had a good week in Mobile, AL at the Senior Bowl and has risen up the draft boards as of late. I actually expected a little more from him during his career at Missouri, after he recorded 84 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions his sophomore season. Gooden’s numbers declined the last two seasons. In 2012, he only recorded 61 tackles and 4 tackles for loss. He missed two games in 2012 due to injury. I view Gooden as a Top 125 player who will have a chance to become a starter in the NFL.

September 22, 2012; Columbia, SC, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver T.J. Moe (28) makes a reception against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

WR, T.J. Moe, is the final participant from Missouri in this year’s NFL Combine. Like Gooden, Moe saw his numbers decrease over the last two seasons. Moe had a breakout season in 2010, with 92 receptions and 1045 yards with Blaine Gabbert as his QB. Starting in 2011, James Frankin became the Tiger’s QB and Moe’s receiving numbers took a hit. Moe caught 54 passes for 649 yards in 2011 and had 40 receptions for 399 yards in 2012.

Moe is a tough receiver who isn’t afraid to take a hit over the middle. He doesn’t have ideal height, which will limit him to a slot receiver role in the NFL. He also doesn’t have elite speed, but he showed the ability to get open while at Mizzou. Currently he’s being viewed as a late round pick or possible free agent.