Anthony Richardson Excels at the 2023 NFL Combine

Former Gator quarterback Anthony Richardson showed off his athletic prowess Saturday afternoon at the 2023 NFL combine.

Record Breaking Day

Richardson broke two combine records Saturday. Richardson now holds the records for the highest vertical jump by a quarterback and the farthest broad jump by a quarterback.

Richardson’s 40.5-inch vertical broke the record set in 2011 by the University of Pennsylvania’s Josh Portis of 40 inches. The former Gator quarterback also beat out Gator legend, Tim Tebow. Tebow’s 38.5 inches which is now the fourth-highest vertical ever by a quarterback.

https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1632113945744949248?s=20

Richardson’s 10’9 broad jump is also a combine record.

At 244 pounds, Richardson broke former Missouri quarterback, Brad Smith’s record by one inch. It is also worth noting that Richardson was two inches taller and 30 pounds heavier than Smith when he broke his record Saturday.

Anthony Richardson: back to back broad jumps. First was best at 10-9. pic.twitter.com/HmU08i2T2s

— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) March 4, 2023

Richardson’s Other Athletic Achievements

The former Gator quarterback’s 4.43-second 40-yard dash was the fastest from the quarterback position this year. A sub 4.5 40-yard dash at 244 pounds is freakishly athletic. To put this feat into perspective, this time would also rank him as the fifth fastest running back and would be tied for 11th as a wide receiver.

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Richardson’s arm was just as impressive as his legs.

What separates Richardson from the usual freak athletic quarterback is his cannon of his arm. While a select few quarterbacks can run a 4.43 official 40-yard dash, not many can also throw the ball 60+ yards in the air.

The last throw of the throwing drills is dubbed the “Allen Throw” named after Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Richardson has drawn comparisons to Allen for his gifted arm strength and scrambling ability, although Allen didn’t sniff Richardson’s 4.43 40-yard dash.

Richardson threw it 60+ yards with ease on Saturday. Impressing both the fans at the combine and the fans across the nation.

Off-the-Field Impressions

The formal interviews with players are equally if not more important in team evaluations.

Richardson met with the Panthers, Raiders, Colts and Seahawks. According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, teams are “intrigued” with Richardson. This was prior to Richardson’s workout Saturday. Richardson having one of the greatest displays of athleticism ever at the combine will certainly bump him higher on these team’s draft boards.

From our NFL Combine coverage: #Florida QB Anthony Richardson, who is putting on a show and just ran a 4.44 40, met with many QB-needy teams in the Top 10… while #USC WR Jordan Addison shut it down for the day because of a minor back strain. pic.twitter.com/m5ilpo0j9t

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2023

One-of-a-kind Player

Scouts and media members try to find a comparable player to Richardson. But it is virtually impossible to find a player as gifted as an athlete and as raw of a prospect coming out of college as Richardson.

On athletic ability alone, Richardson will be a top 10 pick in the 2023 NFL draft. But teams may be worried about Richardson only having one year of experience playing college football. If a team is willing to take a chance on Richardson, his ceiling could place him as a top-10 quarterback in the league in just a few years.

Richardson Responds to Doubters

Despite only having one year at Florida, Richardson believes he left his mark on the football program.

Richardson’s age could label him as immature and not ready for the NFL, but he does not think so.