Getty Image / James Gilbert
Every year, a quarterback seemingly rises up the NFL draft board out of nowhere. This year that appears like it may be Florida’s Anthony Richardson.
There’s no doubt about the quarterback’s physical gifts. Richardson stands at an impressive 6-foot-4, 232 lbs, and he certainly looks the part.
He’s got the tools, too.
Look at this arm strength and accuracy on just one hitch.
Anthony Richardson looking down the middle and sees the safety flat-footed (might be looking him off) and throws a perfect go ball with one hitchpic.twitter.com/WHILiGnZSj
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) February 27, 2023
This is a throw only a few guys in the NFL can make.
Anthony Richardson threw for 50 air yards here without fully clearing his hips, lead arm, and back shoulder. This is a testament to arm strength.
Also, honorable mention to Richardson’s top-to-bottom textbook mechanics, from the drop back to the hitch. pic.twitter.com/OdcI2Ekjy3
— Zareh Kantzabedian (@ZKantzFF) February 12, 2023
And, look at this run.
Video game type run from Anthony Richardson pic.twitter.com/4DFppma5wr
— Barstool U (@BarstoolU) October 16, 2022
As you can see, the tools are there. The redshirt sophomore has as much physical talent as anyone in the NFL and probably the most in this draft class at the quarterback position. But, there are downsides. Richardson only completed 53% of his passes at Florida last year. He threw nine interceptions, including these two.
Florida QB Anthony Richardson threw a pair of costly interceptions that hurt Florida in both points and field position vs. USF
Struggling against a G5 school is not a promising sign for the aspiring 2023 NFL Draftee, especially when coming off a tough outing against Kentucky. pic.twitter.com/SYJ5SDtgN5
— Eric Froton (@CFFroton) September 19, 2022
But, apparently, he is still flying up draft boards, and may even be picked first overall.
The buzz surrounding Anthony Richardson this week is palpable. He's truly gone from a first round curiosity to a likely top-three selection.
You may very well see QBs go 1, 2, and 3 in April. Far cry from last year.
— Corbin K. Smith (@CorbinSmithNFL) March 2, 2023
Richardson is expected to throw at this week’s NFL combine. Quarterbacks will go through drills on Saturday afternoon in Indianapolis.