Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson has significantly elevated his stock in the months leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft. However, even a historic performance at the NFL Combine and a strong showing at Florida’s Pro Day haven’t erased one concern many teams have.
Richardson is the most talented quarterback in the 2023 draft class. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds, he tested better athletically than Cam Newton and Josh Allen. He also boasts elite arm strength and is viewed as a more advanced passer regarding his mental processing than Allen was entering the 2018 NFL Draft.
- Anthony Richardson stats (2022): 2,549 pass yards, 131 QB rating, 17-9 TD-INT, 53.8% completion rate, 654 rushing yards, 9 rushing touchdowns
Related: Baltimore Ravens doing homework on Anthony Richardson
Once viewed as a likely first-round pick, Richardson’s stock has climbed thanks to the pre-draft process. While there is no longer buzz about him being the first overall pick, multiple NFL teams are reportedly interested in acquiring the third overall pick to get Richardson before the Indianapolis Colts.
Amid swirling NFL Draft rumors of Richardson likely becoming a top-five pick, though, it appears many evaluators around the league share a concern of what that could mean for his immediate future at the next level.
Yahoo Sports’ senior NFL insider Charles Robinson said on the You Pod to Win the Game podcast that teams do have concerns about the pressure Richardson would face to start as a top-five pick.
“Since his Pro Day, I had a chance to circle back to some people. I would say their assessment warmed a bit, but they all seemed to agree that if he goes in the top five, the scary thing is that’s a guy where there will be pressure to play him right away and that’s really not what anybody envisions for him.”
Charles Robinson on NFL assessment of Florida Gators QB Anthony Richardson
Related: Anthony Richardson scouting report
Richardson had one of the lowest completion rates among 2023 quarterback prospects last season. While he also showed greater flashes of MVP-caliber talent, his penchant for erratic throws and some inconsistent decision-making also cost Florida several games.
NFL teams having concerns about the pressure to start immediately as a top-five pick are legitimate. However, many of the clubs that are seemingly interested in Richardson have another viable quarterback option they could start early in the 2023 season.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is coming off a breakout season and a Pro Bowl appearance. With Seattle holding the fifth overall pick, it could draft Richardson and develop him for a year as Smith leads the Seahawks into playoff contention.
As for other suitors, both the Tennessee Titans (Ryan Tannehill), Detroit Lions (Jared Goff) and the Las Vegas Raiders (Jimmy Garoppolo) each have proven veteran starters who could be on the field for the entire 2023 season.
With the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans locked in on Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud, there realistically isn’t a suitor for Richardson who would feel the need to rush Richardson in his rookie season. As a result, any concerns about his development being impacted shouldn’t hurt him on draft night.