Annually, we historically obtain one or two polarizing candidates for the NFL Draft. Half of the evaluators assume the participant is the best factor since sliced bread, whereas the opposite half sees nothing however a “do not draft” signal.
This 12 months, that prospect is College of Florida quarterback Antony Richardson, who’s arguably probably the most athletic and tantalizing quarterback prospect in NFL historical past. After all, being an ideal athlete does not make you an ideal quarterback, however that is what makes him such a tempting candidate. Athletics apart, Richardson is extraordinarily strict, having began simply 13 video games and tried 393 passes in school, and as excessive as his ceiling could be, his flooring is simply as low.
Why do folks fall for Anthony Richardson as a possible candidate?
On account of his athletic profile, Richardson does issues on the soccer area that 99.9 p.c of different gamers who’ve stepped onto the sector can solely dream of doing. His best energy as a participant is the delight impact he brings with a number of the otherworldly Mahomes-style throws he could make.
It isn’t his greatest shot in Florida, and even near it, however he nonetheless exhibits fairly a uncommon expertise for the hand. Richardson comes again with a poor base and continues to be capable of cross the proper ball to a goal 50 yards from the sector of play. There are solely a handful of quarterbacks within the league who could make a throw like that with out a straightforward interception.
This second throw by Richardson seems to be greater than straightforward, when the truth is it’s a particularly tough cross for nearly each different quarterback. Within the case of Richardson, he merely waves his wrist with out pointing his arms or decrease half on the receiver, and passes the proper ball, after passing with out trying.
Richardson can lengthen the sport like few quarterbacks. In motion pictures the place he comes out of pocket, he has the flexibility to beat unblocked defenders to the sting. Then, in instances the place he can not beat them to the restrict, he has the flexibility to improvise. Working out of pocket, Richardson exhibits off an excellent potential to make throws on the transfer and preserve a agency foothold, stopping lack of hand energy.
Within the oblique passing sport, Richardson demonstrates a capability to stack passes over defenders or divert receivers when essential. As well as, he has the anticipation and soccer IQ to make tight pictures within the attain zone.
Richardson will step in instantly and turn into probably the greatest quarterback runners within the league. As a runner, he strikes with the energy and imaginative and prescient of a runner, whereas additionally possessing an excellent velocity of play.
Why is Anthony Richardson scaring NFL Draft evaluators?
With solely 13 begins in school, Richardson may be very strict as a prospect.
Richardson has critical considerations about accuracy. His backside base is usually out of sync, which performs a task, however he routinely misses the pictures that simply must be made at NFL degree 11 out of 10 instances.
Richardson does not reset his toes too typically when he lifts them to slip on account of strain. As a substitute of stepping away from the strain after which resetting, Richardson decides as a substitute to attempt to get out of his pocket as quickly as potential.
As he rolls to the fitting, he tends to decrease his arm and throw his arm, inflicting him to take throws away from his meant goal.
In a brief passing sport, he missed too many straight pictures that needed to be made within the NFL. Within the brief sport, when Richardson throws left, he strikes his higher physique away from the goal in order that his entrance arm leaks to the left, leading to inaccurate passes. Richardson’s deep ball has stability points as his positioning and contact wants work.
His decision-making and eyes additionally must be honed. Too typically Richardson concentrates on his first studying, typically following it within the area. When a deep shot was referred to as, he would keep on the receiver, irrespective of how coated they have been. Richardson not often used his eyesight to distract zonal defenders.
Highlights Anthony Richardson
2023 NFL Mix Outcomes for Anthony Richardson’s Florida QB
Richardson was named probably the most athletic quarterback in mix historical past. Regardless of being one in every of three quarterbacks to obtain a Relative Sports activities Rating of 10 (the opposite two being Cam Newton and Dante Culpepper), he has the best all-time RAS ranking amongst quarterbacks.
He was 6’4, 244 kilos, 32 3/4″ shoulders and 10 1/2″ palms, and ran 4.43 seconds for 40 yards, together with 1.53 10 yards. His 40.5″ vertical soar and 10’9 lengthy soar rounded out his measurable outcomes. His additionally confirmed off his gun, firing bombs in passing workout routines.
What are others saying about QB Anthony Richardson?
“A really younger and uncouth passer, Anthony Richardson, doesn’t have probably the most spectacular CV (zero profession video games with over 250 yards passing and 60 p.c or greater completeness charges). Nonetheless, his spectacular expertise offers him the best ceiling of any quarterback in his class. Trait based mostly perspective, Richardson is probably the most intriguing wildcard within the 2023 draft.” Dane Brugler – Athletic
Whereas he has the expertise and edge to be the highest decide within the 2023 NFL Draft, his uncooked expertise imply he should not be requested to begin instantly. Richardson’s wonderful arm energy, working throwing potential, athleticism and mobility give him the ceiling of a high-class quarterback who can compete for MVP awards. Nonetheless, his inconsistent accuracy and mechanics, questionable decision-making and lightning preventing earn him a spot as a profession QB backup.