Anthony Richardson (QB-Florida)
Age: 21 (22 when he starts his NFL career)
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 231 LBS
24/7 Sports Composite: 0.9204 (4-Star)
Injury History: Hamstring strain, knee surgery in 2022 from high school injury
STATS: (Pro Football Reference)
High School
Anthony Richardson played his high school football at Eastside High School in Gainesville, Florida. He would go on to finish his high school career with 4,633 passing yards, 37 passing touchdowns, along with 1,633 rushing yards and 41 rushing touchdowns. Richardson was also a finalist in the Elite 11 tournament. Richardson had offers to play for Boston College, Louisville, Virginia Tech, Penn State, Michigan, Georgia, and Florida. Richardson ultimately decided that he wanted to stay home as he committed to attend the University of Florida to play for the Gators.
Freshman:
Richardson played very little in his true freshman season. He appeared in four games and totaled 61 rushing yards along with 27 passing yards and 1 TD pass.
Redshirt Freshman:
Richardson wouldn’t start his first game until his redshirt freshman season against Georgia but he was still firmly behind Emory Jones at the time. Richardson did get his opportunity to flash as he showcased his elite athleticism. He totaled 401 rushing yards and 3 TDs on the ground and 529 passing yards with 5 TDs through the air in his redshirt freshman season. His opportunity to be the Gators full-time starter would come in his redshirt sophomore season.
Redshirt Sophomore:
After Emory Jones would transfer to Arizona State, Richardson was given the keys to the offense. Richardson would go on to compile 2,549 passing yards and 17 passing TDs, along with 654 rushing yards and 9 rushing TDs. He led Florida to a 6-7 record and a bowl game appearance. Richardson would then forgo his redshirt junior season and enter the 2023 NFL Draft.
STRENGTHS:
Elite Athlete. He will be a top 7 rushing quarterback in the NFL the moment he is drafted. He automatically makes a team’s running game better.
Can create from outside the pocket. If the play breaks down, Richardson can play out of structure. Richardson also can avoid sacks very well (sacked only 13 times while being under pressure 142 times according to PFF).
High end arm strength. He can make any throw on the field. Combine this with the fact he has a quick release.
Has great pocket presence. Can navigate the pocket and give himself more time to throw.
Better deep ball thrower than he is a short and intermediate thrower. Has the ability to throw with some touch (although inconsistent).
He makes full field reads, he has no problem going to his checkdown if nothing else is open down the field.
Can make throws with anticipation. He has the ability to manipulate defenders with his eyes and throw open his receivers.
He has a good command of his offense. He can make adjustments pre snap.
WEAKNESSES:
His lower body mechanics need a lot of work. Doesn’t keep his cleats on the ground throughout the course of the play. Hops around too much. His base is inconsistent. He will need to be coachable in order to improve on this.
Has below average accuracy on short and intermediate throws (8 passing touchdowns, 7 INT, 10 turnover worthy plays, and a 59.5% completion on throws 0-19 yards down the field according to PFF). Either he sails passes over his intended receivers head, or throw the ball where the receiver needs to make a tough catch.
Has a tendency to sometimes bail the pocket too quickly. Florida’s offensive line wasn’t great last year which also could’ve play into this.
Sometimes has a knack for trying to play too much hero ball although he usually doesn’t put the ball into harm's way.
Also has a knack of throwing too many line drives.
Hasn’t played much football. Only started 13 games in his collegiate career.
Overall:
In my opinion, Richardson easily has the most upside for a quarterback in this draft class. He is an elite athlete, has a high end arm, and possesses some foundational parts to his game where he can have a higher floor than normal for a “raw” quarterback. He has some mechanical issues and accuracy issues that really need to be worked on in order for him to reach his full potential, but I think his tools are worth betting on over guys like Bryce Young and CJ Stroud who I both really like too in this class.
Think about who the best quarterbacks in the NFL currently are. Patrick Mahomes was “raw” coming out of Texas Tech but had the physical tools. Same goes for guys like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, and Justin Herbert. It’s going to take a lot of work if Richardson will ever get to that point, but I’m willing to bet on him becoming the best QB from this draft class.
Carr’s Grading System:
9.5-10: The Perfect Prospect. No holes in their game with the expectation they become the best player at their position. Future HOF lock.
9.0-9.4: This player will be a top 5 player at their position in the future. Multiple all-pros.
8.5-8.9: This player becomes a top 12 player at their position. Pro Bowls in their future.
8.0-8.4: This player will be a quality NFL starter. Potentially a couple pro bowl seasons. First rounder.
(BOB) BOOM OR BUST
7.5-7.9: Average NFL player. Dependable starter but never will reach the level of becoming a top 10 player at their position. Day 2 pick worthy
7.1-7.4: Below Average NFL player. Will be a rotational piece, a backup, or depth player. Day 3 pick
6.5-7.0: Bust, undrafted player, practice squad or special teams player.
6.4 or lower: Stay Away at all costs
GRADE: 8.6 (Top 12 at their position in their future)
Player Comparison: Cam Newton
Potential Fits:
Colts, Panthers, and Raiders
