SEC 2023 NFL Draft Preview: Florida QB Anthony Richardson

Out of every prospect available in the 2023 NFL Draft, there might not be a more intriguing player than Florida QB Anthony Richardson. One of the most talented overall athletes in the draft who is likely to be a first round pick, where in the first 32 picks could Richardson come off the board this April?

SEC 2023 NFL Draft Preview: Florida QB Anthony Richardson

Beginning with a look at the redshirt sophomore’s collegiate career, Richardson originally came to Florida as a local product out of Eastside High School in Gainesville, joining the Gators as a four-star prospect in the 2020 class.

Once with the Gators, Richardson would appear in only three games as a freshman in 2020, with the four-star sitting behind both Kyle Trask and Emory Jones on the depth chart. In limited action, Richardson would complete 1-of-2 passes for 27 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, while also rushing for 61 yards on seven attempts.

Richardson would go on to see a noteworthy amount of action in 2021 as a redshirt freshman as well, even despite being the primary backup to Jones. That season, Richardson would complete 59.4% of his passes for 529 yards and a 6:5 TD:INT ratio, while also rushing for 401 yards and three touchdowns on 51 attempts.

As the Gators full-time starter this season, Richardson would complete 53.8% of his passes for 2,549 yards and a 17:9 TD:INT ratio, while also rushing for 654 yards and nine touchdowns on 103 attempts. Richardson would declare for the draft at seasons end as well, ending a Florida career that included 3,105 passing yards with a 24:15 TD:INT ratio, as well as 1,116 rushing yards and 12 more touchdowns.

An intriguing prospect coming off a solid collegiate career at Florida, what truly makes Richardson a potential first round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft?

Strengths

One of Richardson’s biggest strengths is his athleticism, as the Florida signal caller is one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the entire draft who excels in the running game. At 6-foot-4, 232 pounds, Richardson has elite-level speed for the position, and is tough to stop in the open field due to his size and athleticism.

Another key strength for Richardson is his arm strength, as you have likely seen videos before of the former four-star seemingly throwing the ball downfield with ease. Richardson has one of the strongest arms of any quarterback in this draft class, and simply put, there are few throws, if any, that the Florida signal caller can’t make.

Question Marks

The biggest question mark surrounding Richardson as a draft prospect is his level of consistency as a passer, as the Florida quarterback completed only 53.8% of his passes this past season, while also throwing nine interceptions to only 17 touchdowns. Richardson has certainly shown flashes across the past two seasons at Florida, and his transition to the NFL will likely depend on if he can improve as a passer, as well as cut down on turnovers.

Potential Draft Range

With the run on quarterbacks that will happen early in the draft, Richardson is likely to be selected at some point within the first round. As for a potential range, the Florida quarterback could come off the board as early as the Top 10 picks, with there also a chance that Richardson could fall to the back-half of the first round, as well as potentially the early second.

Draft Prediction

Richardson will be selected in the first half of the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.