Todd McShay reveals real concerns NFL teams have about Anthony Richardson

Anthony Richardson blew away NFL scouts at the Combine and the Florida Gators quarterback soared up Todd McShay’s latest mock draft for ESPN.

However, there are concerns about Richardson according to McShay. In his latest mock, McShay bumped Richardson up to No. 4 overall where the Las Vegas Raiders traded up to grab their next quarterback.

That was also in reaction to Derek Carr signing with the New Orleans Saints. But McShay explained the Jekyll and Hyde situation with Richardson.

“Well he’s 6-foot-4, 244 pounds who runs a 4.44. That is rare,” McShay said on Get Up. “And you see the arm strength that he has when you’ve watched him and just the production he had at times. He had two 400-yard passing games, two 100-yard rushing games. There were flashes. 

“And here’s what I keep getting when I’m talking to scouts and general managers is I’m scared to death that we’re drafting a quarterback that is going to be two, three years down the road and may never get it. He just may never be the guy. But I’m also scared to death if I pass on him that I’m gonna have to play him once or twice a year because he has a chance to be absolutely special. That’s how talented he is.”

Richardson got all 12 starts last season and showcased elite flashes as McShay alluded to. However, it was not as consistent as many hoped.

Richardson finished his season with 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns, nine interceptions, a 53.8% completion percentage, 654 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. With proper coaching in the right system, Richardson could become a star.

But, it’s a risky move to draft the Florida quarterback very high, according to some analysts such as McShay.

Richardson had a phenomenal showing Saturday, setting a pair of NFL Combine records for quarterbacks and impressing in almost every area. He weighed in at 6’4″ and 244 pounds, and ran a 4.44 40-yard dash time with the unofficial recordings.

In the vertical jump, Richardson posted a record 40.5″ jump and posted a record 10’9″ mark in the broad jump — both records for the quarterback position.

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The 2023 NFL Draft is set to take place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event is located at the plaza just outside of Union Station.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft will begin 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft is broadcasted throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.