Final mock drafts: Where will Anthony Richardson go on draft night?

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The 2023 NFL Draft is here. Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson is in Kansas City with more than 40 family and friends on a night that will change his life forever.

Richardson has been one of the most talked about, scrutinized, and examined prospects in the 2023 NFL draft. The former Gators quarterback and Gainesville native only started 13 games and has a 6-7 record as a starting quarterback. He also broke records at the 2023 NFL Combine and possesses some of the best athletic ability a quarterback has ever gone into the NFL with.

He’s been a topic of debate. That all ends tonight when the draft kicks off at 8:00 pm.

With the draft just hours away, this is the latest news surrounding the Gators’ passer and where experts think he’ll be selected on Thursday night.

Mel Kiper has Anthony Richardson sliding out of the top 10

The longtime ESPN Draft analyst has been a fan of Richardson. In his final mock draft, however, he has the Gators’ passer sliding outside of the top-10.

Kiper has Richardson being selected No. 12 by the Houston Texans. This is the Texans’ second pick in the first round.

“I’m going to re-do some of this mock draft based on new intel, and it starts with Richardson to Houston. If he makes it to No. 12, I think he could be the pick. The Texans could get their edge rusher and their quarterback in the top 12.”

WATCH: Exclusive Gators Online interview with Anthony Richardson

Todd McShay of ESPN

McShay was at Richardson’s Pro Day and was at the Florida-Kentucky game. He has the Indianapolis Colts taking Will Levis at No. 4 and the Seattle Seahawks taking Richardson right after him at No. 5.

“Similar to Levis in the previous slot, Richardson’s potential is off the charts, but he has some work to do. That’s why I like this fit. In Seattle, he can learn behind Geno Smith, who signed a new three-year contract that could end up being just a one-year deal. It would be hard to pass on top-tier defensive linemen, but the Seahawks have four picks in the first two rounds and are presented with an opportunity to land their QB of the future. Richardson has the strongest arm in the class and is electric as a runner. Sitting behind Smith would give him the chance to improve his accuracy.”

Trevor Sikkema of PFF

Another mock draft without Richardson being selected inside the top 10. Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus has Richardson going No. 11 overall to the Tennessee Titans.

“The Titans don’t seem committed to either Ryan Tannehill or Malik Willis as short- or long-term starters. They may be a team you could see make a small jump for a quarterback, but if the quarterback frenzy doesn’t happen, they could sit back and still land one outside the top 10. Richardson and Derrick Henry in the same backfield would be quite imposing for a team that loves the ground game.”

NFL Insider Daniel Jeremiah

NFL Insider Daniel Jeremiah has Richardson sliding even further in the draft. Jeremiah likes Richardson in Seattle, but not with the Seahawks’ first pick at No. 5, he has Richardson sliding all the way to No. 20 with the Seahawks’ second pick at No. 20.

“I think Richardson could be in play at No. 5 for Seattle. He’d be a no-brainer pick for the Seahawks if he’s still available at No. 20. He can learn under Geno Smith before taking over as QB1.”

Dan Brugler of the Athletic

Brugler agrees with Sikkema with Richardson landing in Nashville at No. 11

“The Titans have plenty of other holes to address on the roster, but they might view Richardson’s talent as too good to pass up. Ryan Tannehill is the right now, and Richardson could be the future.”

Matt Miller of ESPN

A new team and a new destination. Anthony Richardson wasn’t with the Gators for the Las Vegas Bowl, but ESPN draft expert Matt Miller has Richardson calling Las Vegas home at No. 7.

“The Raiders brought in Jimmy Garoppolo, but he turns 32 this season, hasn’t been the picture of health and signed for the middle-of-the-road money. Richardson is a talent-rich prospect with limited experience (13 starts) in a non-pro-style offense, but his elite size, arm strength and running ability — he has two rushing touchdowns of more than 80 yards — are simply too tempting to pass on without a true franchise quarterback in place. And Garoppolo’s injury history could open the door for Richardson to see meaningful playing time in his rookie season while learning on the job.”