Anthony Richardson - QB - Florida
Welcome to the rookie profile for Anthony Richardson. Richardson is a hard prospect to truly value. He could be a big-time player in the NFL, or struggle and flame out. He has the raw talent, skill and athletic ability to be a stud for fantasy in particular, with his speed on the ground.
Measurables
Height: 6′ 4″
Weight: 244 lbs
Age: 22
40-yard dash: 4.43s
3-cone drill: DNP
20-yard shuttle: DNP
Vertical Jump: 40.5″
Broad Jump: 10-9
Bench Press: DNP
*age is at the start of player’s rookie year
College Stats
Notable Headlines
Richardson was a 4-star recruit out of high school, opting to select to play for Florida. In 2020 he was really limited in action, before playing in seven games (with no starts) in 2021. That season he managed to throw for 529 yards, with 6 TDs, but also 5 INTs. But, he started to showcase his ability as a runner of the ball, with 51 rush attempts for 401 yards and 3 TDs.
As a junior in 2022, he played 12 games, where he passed for 2,549 yards and 17 TDs and 9 INTs. He really showcased his ability to run the ball though, with 103 rush attempts for 654 yards and 9 scores.
Scouting Report
Positives
Richardson is an athlete. His size and speed is a crazy combination, and he can throw it deep given the opportunity (like 75-yards). His ability to tuck the ball and run at speed gives him the opportunity to make plays, and with his size, he forces defenders to earn the right to tackle him. His size gives him the ability to see downfield easily, and scan the field. His arm strength means that defenders in the secondary have to look to defend deep, as in he could throw it to the endzone almost on any drive. With his quick release, and tight spiral he can make nice passes at the intermediate and deep levels of the field.
Negatives
The issue with Richardson is that his decision-making and lack of ability to make the right read before the snap lets to turnovers and stalled drives. His footwork suffers from him trying to get out of the pocket, leading to accuracy issues. Infact, at times, he is forced to throw the ball under pressure and retreating from defenders, and his footwork really suffers. With the lack of playing time too, it’s hard to really make a projection of his passing ability beyond ‘inconsistently average at best’
Pre Draft Analysis
Expected Draft Capital- Round 1
Ideal Landing Spot
Richardson I think would be best getting a bit of time to develop in the league, whether that is on the bench for a year or being allowed the time to develop as an immediate starter. For him to be at his best, the team would have to allow him to do what he does best- work as a dual-threat QB. Giving him that opportunity would take the pressure off him, and allow him to develop as a passer.
He is likely to go in the first round, because he is going to need time to develop and the extra option on a first-round contract is going to give teams more time to assess his talent.
Post Draft Analysis
Indianapolis Colts – Round 1, Pick 4
Landing Spot
The Colts have needed to answer the question mark they had at QB for some time. Going down the veteran route with Phillip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan didn’t give them the results they’d hope for. Richardson was a wildcard heading into the draft process with the lack of ‘finished’ play on the field. One thing that isn’t debateable is Richardson’s athletic profile. Working behind the Colts offensive line along with Jonathan Taylor is going to hurt DC’s heads all season.
Fantasy Impact
As a running QB, Richardson always has a good opportunity to have a huge fantasy impact. The big question that is going to hang on Richardson is going to be when is he going to be out on the field.
The Colts have Gardner Minshew signed already, and he could start out the season to allow Richardson to sit on the sidelines which is probably better for his long-term value. With this uncertainty, at the moment at least, it’s hard to really opt for taking Richardson in redraft leagues. However, as a long-term prospect in a dynasty his value is going to be tied to how effectively he takes to the NFL. He has all of the talent that you’d hope for, with a decent offensive line to go along with pass catchers and (as mentioned above) Taylor out of the backfield. In Superflex leagues, a clear first-round selection (and early). Just don’t expect too much from him straight away.
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Image Credit: Kim Klement – USA TODAY Sports
