It’s been a wild up-and-down career for Anthony Richardson at Florida. However, now that he’s declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, it’s onwards to the NFL Draft process for the 6’4 quarterback. He’s one of the top athletes in this class at his position, and is certain to garner some discussion as a first round talent. In this 2023 NFL Draft scouting report, we’ll breakdown Anthony Richardson, as well as predict a 40 time, a full injury history, and predict his future in the NFL.
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Anthony Richardson 40 Time
I have Florida QB Anthony Richardson poised for a 4.49 40 time at the 2023 NFL Combine. This would be about three-tenths quicker than the average quarterback 40 time in the NFL. It should go without saying, but Richardson has rare speed and athleticism for the position. On game film, Anthony Richardson is able to make defenders miss out in space, but can also explode though holes and fly upfield like one of his playmakers. Furthermore, to see someone like Anthony Richardson, who will weigh-in somewhere around the 240 pound range, be able to run that fast is uncanny.
Anthony Richardson Injury History
Following knee surgery at the end of the 2021, Anthony Richardson was able to return to the field to start the 2022 season for the Gators. Earlier this season, Richardson was plagued by ankle and hamstring injuries. He left the Eastern Washington game early due to a right leg injury, but was able to return. He should receive a clean bill of health at the 2023 NFL Combine, but the lingering issues are a bit of a concern for me.
Anthony Richardson Scouting Report
Pros
- Athletic Quarterback That Can Make Defenders Miss In Space
- Good Placement On Throws Along The Sidelines
- Excellent Sense Of Pressure From Inside The Pocket
Cons
- Pre-Snap Reads Can Be A Weak Spot For Him
- Despite Athleticism, He’s A Raw Runner
- Ball Placement Can Be Inconsistent
Anthony Richardson is a two-year contributor at quarterback for the Florida Gators. Richardson was added to the Maxwell award watchlist, which is presented to the best player in college football. Additionally, his odds to win the Heisman were on the rise, although he finished the voting outside of the top ten. Possesses solid height and weight for the quarterback position when compared to the league average. His predicted 40 time of 4.49 seconds is very good when also compared to the league average.
He displays a solid ability to diagnose open running lanes outside the pocket to pickup first downs, along with short and intermediate gains. With time in the pocket, he throws accurate balls into tight lulls in coverage. Has good placement on throws down the field and along the sidelines. Possesses good accuracy when making throws outside of the pocket, as well. Shows a good sense of pressure inside the pocket. Good athleticism to navigate a muddy pocket, and can step up or escape the pressure with ease. Displays a solid ability to make defenders miss in space, although he does look to initiate contact with defenders, rather than make them miss. Possesses good velocity on all throws across the field. Solid ability to create torque and has a good release speed.
Can struggle to identify and pickup the corner blitz at the line of scrimmage. His ball placement on 50/50 passes needs improvement. Some of these throws will be thrown with too low of a trajectory. Simple ‘pitch and catch’ throws have a tendency to be placed poorly. His decision making worsens quite a bit as the pocket begins to collapse. I’d like to see him develop patience as a scrambling quarterback to let the running lanes develop before bursting through them.
Anthony Richardson NFL Draft Projection
Ultimately, I have a mid first-round grade on Anthony Richardson, as evidenced in our 2023 Top 200 Prospect Rankings. There’s no doubt in my mind that he will test off the charts at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. However, I would be surprised if he decides to throw in the on-field drills. Rather, if I were his agent, I’d advise him to participate in the measurables, such as 40-yard dash, vertical jump, etc.
I do believe that an NFL offensive coordinator can build a system around Anthony Richardson from day one in the NFL. If he can remain protected in the pocket, he should do fine to move the ball down the field with his arm. I still think that he could struggle early on in his career, especially to make pre-snap reads, identify pressure, and progress through his reads quickly.
In terms of potential fits for Anthony Richardson, there are several scenarios. A team such as the New York Giants could make a ton of sense. QB Daniel Jones is in the final year of his contract. While he’s been serviceable for HC Brian Daboll, Richardson would certainly move the needle. While they don’t have a ton of draft capital, if the New Orleans Saints could find a way to move into the latter half of the first-round, they could also be in play for Anthony Richardson. The team has struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position following the retirement of Drew Brees.
