Here’s where Anthony Richardson projects in Bleacher Report’s mock draft

Here’s where Bleacher Report believes Anthony Richardson will be picked in next year’s draft.

Bleacher Report released its “way-too-early” 2023 NFL mock draft and Florida quarterback [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag] makes an appearance.

The 6-foot-4-inch, 236-pound rising redshirt sophomore is slated to go at No. 21 overall to the Indianapolis Colts according to the mock. This makes sense, as current Colts quarterback Matt Ryan has two years remaining on his contract after being traded to Indianapolis from Atlanta earlier this off-season.

Richardson was used last season as a change-of-pace player, coming in on designed packages former Gators coach Dan Mullen drew up to maximize Richardson’s running abilities, allowing him to do things like this.

Later in the season, he saw more playing time and eventually supplanted Emory Jones —who entered the transfer portal and is now at ASU — as the starter in Gainesville.

Richardson’s running ability is fantastic, but he is far from a one-dimensional player. His passing ability and arm strength come off the screen when you watch him and it’s clear he has only scratched the surface of his potential. Here he is throwing close to 70 yards as a high school senior.

 

Not to get ahead of ourselves, but Richardson has a path towards being an NFL starter in his rookie season given Matt Ryan’s age (38 heading into the 2023 season) and contract status. According to Spotrac.com, the Colts could save close to $30 million if they trade Ryan before the 2023 season if things don’t work out in 2022. If not? Richardson could sit behind a potential Hall of Fame signal-caller with over 15 years of experience in the league.

If Richardson can find a way to blend both aspects of his game, and pick up others he learns from [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag], the Gators are going to be a tough out for teams this season, raising Richardson’s profile even more than it is now. It makes why Indianapolis would like to have Richardson in their QB room.

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