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Jets DL Richardson claims he's on 'same level' as Watt

Yahoo Sports Staff

It's good to have confidence. But there's a fine line between belief in oneself and downright cockiness. New York Jets defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson is firmly toeing that line.

In comments to ESPN.com Thursday, the 2013 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year compared himself favorably to the likes of Houston Texans star J.J. Watt, Ndamukong Suh of the Detroit Lions and Gerald McCoy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"J.J. Watt, he's got a few more sacks than me, but it's the same type of disruption," Richardson said. "He's a little more active, I'll give you that, but we have the same type of determination, same heart, same skills. He scores touchdowns, I score touchdowns." He continued, "The same people you see mentioned every day, getting big contracts, I'm on the same level. I don't put them over me, I don't put them under me. Most definitely, it's the same comparison, really."

Slow your roll, Mr. Richardson. While the second-year player out of Missouri punched it in twice from short yardage on offense in 2013 and has been a bright spot for the 3-11 Jets with 6.5 sacks this season, Watt is a legitimate MVP candidate (and in some quarters, the favorite). The Texans dynamo has 16.5 sacks and five touchdowns this year, three on offense. And yes, Richardson was just being honest. But there's a time to tout one's ability and a time to dial it down a notch. Now is one of those times.