2013 NFL Draft Prospects: Missouri

These are the school’s prospects for the 2013 NFL Draft by status * – denotes 2014 prospect ** – denotes 2015 prospect.

This page was last updated April 24, 2013. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

Sheldon Richardson*, DT, Missouri
Height: 6-3. Weight: 294. Arm: 34.48.
40 Time: 5.02.
Projected Round (2013): Top-16 Pick.
4/24/13: Most draft projections have Richardson going in the top half of the first round, and some believe that a team like the 49ers could trade up for the Missouri standout.

Richardson had solid performances at his pro day and Combine that showed off his speed and athleticism. He had a superb junior season including a great game against Alabama. The junior had 14 tackles and a sack coming from defensive end against right tackle D.J. Fluker. Richardson flashes the speed to fire the gap and make plays behind the line. He has non-stop drive and makes a lot of tackles in pursuit. Richardson demonstrated one of the best motors of any player in college football. He is truly relentless.

Richardson returned a fumble 60 yards against Kentucky. He couldn’t make plays going against guard Larry Warford, but made an impact when taking on other blockers. Richardson was a speedy disruptive force at the point of attack.

Richardson totaled 75 tackles in 2012; a staggering number for a defensive tackle. He also had 10.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, three passes batted and three forced fumbles.

8/25/12: Richardson started two games in 2011 and saw playing time in the defensive-line rotation. He totaled 37 tackles with eight tackles for a loss and two sacks.

The redshirt junior will start in 2012. He played injured as a sophomore and had shoulder surgery that cause him to miss spring practice.

Zaviar Gooden, OLB, Missouri
Height: 6-1. Weight: 234. Arm: 32.38.
40 Time: 4.47.
Projected Round (2013): 4-6.
4/24/13: Some are high on Gooden because of his skill set, and think he could be a second-day pick. That is all based on projection because Gooden didn’t play well last season. He finished 2012 with 61 tackles, an interception and four tackles for a loss. Gooden missed the games against Arizona State and Central Florida. He didn’t compete well against South Carolina and Alabama.

It was a disappointing season for the senior, but he bounced back to perform well in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. Gooden looked a lot better there than he did during the fall. Gooden was extremely fast at the Combine and did well on the bench press (27 reps). However, he did not play up to his athletic ability in college.

8/29/12: Zavier Gooden was Missouri’s replacement for Sean Weatherspoon in 2010, and the sophomore had a solid debut. He led Missouri with 85 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, one forced fumble, two interceptions and two fumbles recovered.

Gooden didn’t elevate his level of play as a junior as he recorded 80 tackles with six tackles for loss and two interceptions. He needs a big senior season in order to be a second-day pick.

Brad Madison, DE, Missouri
Height: 6-4. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.81.
Projected Round (2013): 6-FA.
4/24/13: Madison started the year strong with three sacks through two games, but after that, he was a non-factor. Madison had 18 tackles, seven tackles for a loss and four sacks in 2012. He was dominated by South Carolina and Alabama.

8/27/12: Madison had 25 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 2011. He had big games against Missouri’s weaker competition, but didn’t produce much against the Big XII opponents. Madison flashed at times, but he needs to become more consistent.

Madison had a breakout sophomore season recording 7.5 sacks with 11 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and 32 tackles. He was selected as a Second-Team All-Big XII selection. However, Madison benefited from the double teams that Aldon Smith drew.

Elvis Fisher, OT, Missouri
Height: 6-5. Weight: 300.
Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
Projected Round (2013): FA.
4/24/13: Fisher has the talent to be a second-day pick, but can’t stay on the field. It didn’t start out that way; he was the starting left tackle as a freshman in 2008. Fisher was an All-Big XII honorable mention at left tackle in 2009 and 2010. He had an excellent 2010 season as the blind-side protector for Blaine Gabbert. Fisher completely shut down Adrian Clayborn in Clayborn’s final collegiate game.

Fisher missed the 2011 season with a ruptured patellar tendon. He was hurt again this season, having to be carted off the field versus Georgia. That injury was an MCL strain that kept him out for three games. Fisher could be worth a shot as an undrafted free agent.