Perhaps no player improved their NFL Draft stock more than Florida QB Anthony Richardson at the 2023 Scouting Combine. While the tantalizing prospect’s arrow was already pointed up heading into the week’s event, Richardson blew the doors off Lucas Oil Stadium, impressing with his rocket arm and off-the-charts measurables, setting new NFL Combine records along the way.
Richardson showed he is quicker than any other incoming QB prospect by running a 4.43 40-yard dash. As mentioned, Richardson also set new records among QBs at the NFL Combine by posting a ridiculous 40.5″ vertical while also adding a 10’9″ broad jump.
While the athleticism is remarkable, most scouts just want to see if he can throw the ball accurately and consistently. Richardson at least checked off the deep ball, but he still could use work in short and intermediate areas of the field.
Listen, he’s not perfect, but scouts love what they see from the 21-year-old so far, and it’s seemingly led to a boost for his betting odds to be the No. 1 overall pick.
According to the FanDuel Sports Book, Richardson how has the third-best odds to be the top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Alabama’s Bryce Young and Ohio State’s CJ Stroud are the only two players ahead of Richardson.
Whether NFL teams making their selections at the top of the draft feel the same way once April 27 rolls around remains to be seen, but it’s clear Richardson’s stock is on the rise. First, the Chicago Bears will likely trade out of the top spot. Who moves up to take their place could ultimately decide whether it’s Young, Stroud, Richardson, or another player being the No. 1 pick.
Related: 2023 NFL mock draft: Chicago Bears trade down multiple times, QBs fill top 10