NFL analyst compares Anthony Richardson to Carson Wentz, Jalen Hurts combo

As the NFL draft draws nearer, teams must fine-tune their draft boards in preparation for the annual event. For a handful of NFL teams, the quarterback position is a top priority heading into the 2023 NFL draft. One of the top prospects at that position is none other than the Florida Gators’ Anthony Richardson.

Richardson has tremendous talent and even more upside, which makes him one of the more highly sought-after players in the upcoming draft. But how would his game transition to the next level? More precisely, who does Richardson’s game most resemble in the NFL? According to NFL.com analytics expert Cynthia Frelund, the former Gator is a blend of current Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and their former signal caller Carson Wentz.

“Richardson is a tough one for me to project; he’s generated some of the most volatile data I’ve seen in the 15-plus seasons of information I’m considering,” said Frelund. “The relatively small sample size (Richardson logged one full season as a starter, with 393 pass attempts in three total seasons, at the collegiate level) only increases the uncertainty. Because of positional value, Richardson seems likely to be drafted in the first round — and if he hits his (very high) ceiling, he’ll be worth it. But the potential floor means there’s a level of risk to drafting him anywhere before Round 3.”

Richardson is seen as one of the top quarterbacks on the board after an up-and-down 2022 season with Florida. Still, his performance at the combine adds to the excitement about his potential in the league. This past year, he proved he can be an effective dual-threat quarterback with 2,549 passing yards, 654 rushing yards and 26 total touchdowns.

Best fist for Richardson

Not every destination is an ideal fit for young quarterbacks entering the league. Some will fare better with different coaches running different systems or within different cultures found within various locker rooms. For Richardson, Frelund sees the franchise currently holding the number five overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks, as his perfect destination.

“I’m not suggesting the Seahawks should immediately replace veteran QB Geno Smith, who just signed an extension. Rather, Smith could be part of a long-term plan to develop Richardson for at least one season, if not longer. With two first-round picks, Seattle is among the teams in position to take a smart swing on Richardson’s upside. (The Colts, whose new head coach, Shane Steichen, created some magic for Hurts during his time as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator, also look like a strong match, even if they might have to use the fourth overall choice on Richardson).”