New York Jets: 3 Pro Bowl locks for the 2017 season

3. Sheldon Richardson

The 6-3, 294-pounder is entering the final year of his contract so this is a very important season for him to re-establish himself as one of the NFL’s top defensive performers. No one can doubt Richardson’s ability — he made the Pro Bowl in his second season in 2014 — but he is coming off the worst season of his four-year career and has a lot to prove moving forward.

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Jets fans know full well that Richardson has had his share of issues off the field. The St. Louis, MO native was suspended for one game last year for violating the off-the-field personal conduct policy regarding his 2015 arrest in Missouri for traffic violations and resisting arrest. He recorded just 1.5 sacks and 62 tackles last year and was not as effective stopping the run as well. Richardson was also the subject of trade rumors throughout the season. It seemed like his time in New York was quickly running out.

However, the 2013 Defensive Rookie of the Year appeared to be revitalized during OTAs and minicamps recently. Teammate Leonard Williams noticed that Richardson had a little more spring in his step, as he explained to the New York Daily News:

"“I definitely see a high level of motivation from him,” defensive lineman Leonard Williams told the News. “He seems to be really locked in and focused. I love it. It seems like he’s a lot more engaged. I think the sky’s the limit for him. He’s super talented. Strong. Fast. He has everything a D-lineman wants.”"

Certainly playing for a new contract helps Richardson’s motivation. It would for any player. It’s the greatest incentive of all. As training camp rapidly approaches, look for Richardson to continue to harness that drive to succeed and follow through with an outstanding 2017 campaign, one that will land him back in the Pro Bowl.