Sheldon Richardson has said that he plays at the "same level" as Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt.
The New York Jets defensive end was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year last season, but has 10 fewer sacks than the 2012 Defensive Player of the Year, who currently leads the league with 16.5, as well as five touchdowns.
The 24-year-old told ESPN: "JJ Watt, he's got a few more sacks than me, but it's the same type of disruption. 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.
"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.
"You name it, I'll put myself up there. I'm not scared to say it. You don't get to this point not being confident. I somebody calls me cocky, oh well, they'll get over it."
Watt signed a six-year $100m (£64m) contract earlier this year, making him the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL.
Sian Cowper
