Predicting how former Vikings will do with their new teams in 2019
By Nik Edlund
Sheldon Richardson – DT (Cleveland Browns)
Of all the free agents the Vikings lost last season this one hurt the most. Richardson was an ideal fit as the penetrating 3-technique defensive tackle in their front line. He was a wrecking ball all last season and was constantly in opponents backfields. The fact of the matter was there was just no way the team could afford to pay him what he was entitled to, and he ended up getting a nice deal from Cleveland.
Richardson should do quite well with the Browns. He, once again, finds himself part of a very talented defensive line. He has up and coming Larry Ogunjobi next to him on the interior and a pair of elite ends in Myles Garrett and Oliver Vernon. That is a loaded defensive line and equal to what Ricardson played with a season ago. With all that talent on the line, Richardson won’t be double teamed very often. He should have plenty of one-on-one opportunities and could have a very big season.
There is no reason that Richardson shouldn’t have numbers in 2019 that are close to his career average. In six seasons in the NFL, Richardson has averaged about four sacks a year and about 55 tackles. This year he’ll post that and a little bit more.
Prediction:
- 60 tackles, 5 sacks