How Billy Napier felt about Anthony Richardson declaring for the NFL Draft

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — When Billy Napier took over the Florida Gators he inherited a quarterback in Anthony Richardson. The Gainesville native had taken a backseat during his first two seasons but was ready to take over the team.

The results in terms of wins and losses fell short of what Napier, Richardson, and the Gators wanted in 2022. At the end of the regular season, Richardson was faced with a decision. He could declare for the 2023 NFL Draft, or return to his hometown and try to lead the Gators to more success on the field.

It wasn’t a matter Richardson took lightly or a decision he made in haste.

“One of the things I respected about Anthony is he went through a really exhaustive process to gather as much information as he could and make an educated decision. He waited on the advisory committee. He got great information across the board,” Napier said on Sirius XM NFL Radio. “A lot of different opinions. Ultimately, 10 out of 32 teams gave him a first-round grade and he had confidence that he could move into the first round. If you can get into the first round, it’s hard to pass up that opportunity. Anthony is a really bright young man and has good people around him. Ultimately he bet on himself and I’m excited to see how this thing works out.” 

Richardson would make his decision and skip the Gators’ bowl game in Las Vegas. Since declaring for the NFL Draft, the passer has been one of the most talked about prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. His physical traits and God-given ability are undeniable. The results in 2022, were questionable.

How does Napier view Richardson as an NFL prospect?

While Richardson was in his third year, Napier has always been quick to point out how green he was. Richardson enrolled at Florida in 2020 and sat behind Kyle Trask and Emory Jones. When he took over as the Gators’ starter in 2022, it wasn’t just a new role but a change in everything around him as well.

“He had only played right around 200 plays prior to this past season and only started one game,” Napier pointed out. “First-year starter, new offensive system, new staff, not only for him but all the people around him.”

Part of the draft process is picking prospects apart. Florida’s 6-6 record with Richardson as the starting quarterback is a red flag because, for some reason, team records get assigned to quarterbacks. His 53.8% completion percentage is low. His nine interceptions are high. He also went to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis and shattered records for quarterbacks.

The NFL Draft is about projecting the future. That’s where teams get excited when they look at Richardson.

“This guy may be the most physically talented football player that I’ve ever been around. He showed that in Indianapolis. A generational talent,” Napier said on Sirius XM. “I think that the upside here, because of the character, the intelligence, and the physical traits, this guy just needs continuity, reps, and the sky is the limit.” 

Richardson has been mock-drafted anywhere from No. 1 overall to somewhere in the teens. A team picking in the top 10 would be making a sizeable investment in the 20-year-old. That’s an investment his college coach wouldn’t think twice about making if it were his franchise.

“It would be very hard for me not to draft this guy after being around him for a year,’ Napier said. “Knowing what he’s capable of not only as a passer but athletically with his feet.”