Richardson Gaining Ground as Top Prospect

We are one week out from the 2023 NFL Draft Combine and mock drafts have already started to heat up. Fans and analysts alike have debated over who deserves to go in the top five or who could see a tumble, but more questions will be answered in next week’s event. Former Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson is one of many players who has a draft stock all over the map.

Pro Football Focus’ Max Chadwick spoke with Steve Russell about Richardson’s talent and potential. He also weighed in on when he might be taken off the board come the NFL Draft.

AR Built for the Combine

There is no denying Richardson’s athleticism. He put that on display time after time for the Gators. He will benefit greatly from the upcoming combine that will put that athleticism on display.

“The combine is designed for physical freaks to shine,” Chadwick said. “And there isn’t a better physical freak at the quarterback position in this draft than Anthony Richardson.”

Not only will Richardson be able to show off his agility and quickness, but also his proven arm strength.

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However, the combine will also show Richardson’s accuracy struggles and questionable decision-making.

“I think he’s pro ready in a lot of aspects…The accuracy and decision making are the big things right now,” said Chadwick.

Potential to be Thrown Into the Fire

Wherever Richardson ends up, he’ll be a very valuable addition to the quarterback room. However, depending on the landing spot, he could be thrown into the fire as the week one starter.

While he might be the immediate starter in Carolina, Chadwick said a team like the Washington Commanders could be a good spot for Richardson where he could sit a year for development.

He also noted that the “dream scenario” for Richardson would be in New York with the Giants and Brian Daboll. Josh Allen’s development into one of the best quarterbacks in the league is often partially credited to Daboll who coached him in Buffalo. If Richardson was to be able to develop in that sort of system, Chadwick said, he would benefit greatly.

Richardson First Overall?

CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso released his most recent 2023 NFL Draft mock draft on Tuesday. In his most recent edition, he sees the Colts trading with the Bears for the first overall pick, and selecting…Anthony Richardson.

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It seems like a longshot, especially since Indianapolis will probably be able to get him at their original pick of No. 4. However, if the Colts decide that Richardson is their guy and fear someone in the top three could take him, then they might trade up.

While Trapasso views Richardson as the potential No. 1 overall pick, many other mock drafts don’t even have Richardson as the first quarterback off the board.

Next week’s NFL Draft Combine will answer a lot of questions ahead of the April 28 NFL Draft.