One big question NFL teams have about Anthony Richardson
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine became the Anthony Richardson show. The former Florida quarterback showed up at 6-4 and 244 pounds. he ran a 4.43 40-yard dash while shattering records in the vertical and broad jumps.
The performance was good enough that ESPN Draft Expert Todd McShay projected Richardson to be drafted fourth overall in his latest mock draft.
McShay has the Las Vegas Raiders trading up to ensure they can get a replacement for Derek Carr, who just signed a four year $150 million deal with the New Orleans Saints.
“The Richardson hype train is hitting full steam, plowing through Indianapolis on Saturday. Looking at combine results since 2006, he posted the best quarterback vertical (40.5 inches) and broad jump (10-foot-9), and then rolled out a scorching 4.43-second 40, which tied for the fourth-fastest time at the position over that span. Richardson capped off his big day by showcasing his huge arm in the throwing portions of the afternoon,” McShay wrote on Richardson.
“His physical traits are exciting, and if coach Josh McDaniels can work with him on his footwork and accuracy, the sky’s the ceiling. On one hand, Richardson threw 17 touchdown passes — including three of 40-plus air yards — and rushed for an FBS QB-high 6.4 yards per carry in 2022. On the other, he completed 54.7% of his throws over 13 career starts. The upside comes with risk, and I do think he might need more time to develop before taking over as an NFL starter. But if the 6-4, 244-pound signal-caller can put it all together, sign me up for big-time throws to Davante Adams and highlight-reel runs on Sundays in Vegas.
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One big hold up for Richardson
As good as Richardson was at the Combine there are still questions. Richardson was sensational against Utah in the season opener. The film he put out from that game is first overall potential. Then, the Gators went 6-6 with him as the starter. Patrick Mahomes went 5-7 as a starter in his junior season, but Richardson’s inconsistent play is something that teams may have a hold up over.
“Well he’s 6-foot-4, 244 pounds who runs a 4.44. That is rare,” McShay said on ESPN’s 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 has certainly locked up a first round pick. If he goes first or second overall he would be the highest Florida player ever selected in the NFL Draft.
