Former Florida Gators quarterback [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag] put on a heck of a show last weekend at the 2023 NFL scouting combine, notching a couple of record performances while demonstrating his superlative athleticism throughout his workouts. Already considered a top-10 pick in the upcoming NFL draft, the Gainesville native’s stock rose even higher on the potential the young signal-caller possesses.
However, anyone who watched Richardson play for the Orange and Blue last season is well aware of the warts the redshirt sophomore carries into the professional ranks. While there were glimmers of greatness at times while leading the Gators on the collegiate gridiron, there were also plenty of cringe moments for the talented quarterback as well.
ESPN draft expert Todd McShay was impressed enough that projects Richardson to be drafted as high as No. 4 come April 27. He presents his pros and cons with the former Gator in his recent mock draft, as seen below.
“On one hand, Richardson threw 17 touchdown passes — including three of 40-plus air yards — and rushed for an FBS QB-high 6.4 yards per carry in 2022. On the other, he completed 54.7% of his throws over 13 career starts. The upside comes with risk, and I do think he might need more time to develop before taking over as an NFL starter. But if the 6-4, 244-pound signal-caller can put it all together, sign me up for big-time throws to Davante Adams and highlight-reel runs on Sundays in Vegas.”
However, there is still one massive elephant in the room when it comes to the caveats that follow Richardson into the pros. Here is the issue in McShay’s own words.
“And here’s what I keep getting when I’m talking to scouts and general managers is I’m scared to death that we’re drafting a quarterback that is going to be two, three years down the road and may never get it. He just may never be the guy. But I’m also scared to death if I pass on him that I’m gonna have to play him once or twice a year because he has a chance to be absolutely special. That’s how talented he is.”
That really seems to be the crux of the issue when it comes to Richardson and the draft — he is too talented to pass up but his horizon is a bit too far in the future to burn a top pick on. Especially considering that teams who are higher in the draft tend to need help sooner than later and even a team with the time needed to develop him will have to pay a king’s ransom to climb up the draft board. Plus, there is no guarantee he will pan out, either.
Previous UF alumni taken recently in the first round of the draft include cornerback [autotag]Kaiir Elam[/autotag] (2022, No. 23), tight end [autotag]Kyle Pitts[/autotag] (2021, No. 4), wide receiver [autotag]Kadarius Toney[/autotag] (2021, No. 20) and cornerback [autotag]CJ Henderson[/autotag] (2020, No. 9).
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