Missouri defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson was slated as a first-round prospect in SB Nation's 2013 NFL Mock Draft, heading to the Minnesota Vikings with the No. 26 overall pick.

Said Dan Kadar of the selection:

The Vikings have managed to have one of the better run defenses in the NFL, but they could use playmakers up the middle. Richardson may not be a 320-pound tackle, but he's a powerful player who can get up the field. He could line up next to or eventually replace Kevin Williams, who is 33.

Richardson, a junior on the Missouri defensive line, was the top-ranked player in the state at his position coming out of high school. Redshirting in 2010 due to injury, Richardson had 37 tackles and two sacks in 13 games in 2011. In just six games in 2012, the defensive tackle has 38 tackles, three sacks and 6 1/2 tackles-for-loss with one forced fumble.