The Rise of Anthony Richardson: The new #1 or #2 pick?
As this year’s NFL Scouting Combine drew to a close, quarterback Anthony Richardson further caught the attention of not only the media and the fans, but the attention of franchises who were previously on the fence.
Prior to this year’s combine, Bryce Young (Alabama) and CJ Stroud (Ohio State) were favoured as the top two QBs heading into this year’s draft. But as momentum towards the combine built, fascination in Richardson began to grow, with some analysts predicting he could be drafted pretty early on in this year’s draft.
Whilst earlier comparisons of the former University of Florida QB had been made with the likes of Cam Newton, Justin Fields and Dak Prescott, general consensus on him ranged between being a first-round to fourth-round talent. But after recent days, this consensus has evolved into a wider agreement that he’ll likely be taken off the board quicker than originally predicted.
What a show at the Combine
Expectations were mounting ahead of the combine and, seizing the opportunity, the former Gators star made sure to grab headlines.
Ranked first in height among this year’s QBs at 6’4 1/4” and weighing at 244lbs, Richardson set new records at the combine in Indianapolis. Not only did he set a QB combine record with a 40.5” vertical, but then ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash. Shortly after, Richardson impressed with his arm strength in his throwing drills.
Twitter was swiftly alight with delighted and intrigued fans imagining – and hoping – where he’ll be playing ball come the autumn. Arguably now, post-combine, the conversation between who is the better QB between Young and Stroud feasibly expands to a conversation which now includes Richardson.
Some conjecture currently suggests he may even be drafted second overall, pending how the next few weeks of draft manoeuvring and pick trading plays out.
Draft projection
Gainesville-born Richardson’s athleticism and size make him an incredible QB to pick up. Granted, there is still some polishing and nurturing required – scouts report his limited experience and his current inability to make quick decisions. But after his displays at the combine, and overwhelmingly positive interviews with a number of teams, Richardson will be the focus of greater interest as we march towards the draft in Kansas City.
Over the last week Richardson has met with several teams. Amongst them are teams are in the market for a QB and who possess a top ten pick:
Texans
The Texans are second in the draft and the odds were, assuming there are no trades, that Richardson wouldn’t be their first choice. With DeMeco Ryans having signed a six-year contract, the Texans know it’ll take time to shape a new-look franchise and given previous considerations on having a mobile QB, expect to see fantasy drafts increasingly pin Richardson as a future Texan.
Colts
The Colts have the fourth pick, so it’s also possible we see Richardson return to Lucas Oil Stadium once the dust settles. Shane Steichen makes his debut as Head Coach and as former offensive coordinator at the Chargers and Eagles, he helped develop Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts, so could nicely complement Richardson and his NFL development.
Seahawks
Geno Smith has just signed an extension in Seattle, but it’s still feasible that the Seahawks look for another QB – Richardson could develop under Smith, ready to step in for when Smith shows signs of slowing. The Seahawks also have the luxury of having two first-round picks (5th and 20th) and with the emerging storyline of an “instant rapport” with head coach Pete Carroll, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more thoughts about Richardson heading Northwest.
Raiders
Las Vegas are needing to find a replacement for the recently departed Derek Carr. Inner circles claim that Raiders HQ is bigger on Richardson than they are fellow draft QB Will Levis (Kentucky), so if Young and Stroud are taken first, the Raiders may well opt for Richardson.
NFC South?
The Falcons have Desmond Ridder, a third-round pick from last year, as their starting quarterback following the late-season benching – and recent release – of Marcus Mariota. It’s conceivable though, given the talent available this year, the Falcons look to take another QB.
The Panthers currently have the ninth pick this year. With new head coach Frank Reich at the helm, Carolina could be the place for Richardson to grow. In order to do that, they would need to trade up – a scenario lower-drafting teams may be contemplating as well.
Beware the Bears…
Of course, the Chicago Bears hold the keys to this year’s draft. With Justin Fields their starting QB, the #1 pick is up for grabs in a possible blockbuster trade.
Trading the first overall pick, which they can do when the league year begins on March 15, will not only change the dynamics of the draft immediately, but could also hand the Bears multiple invaluable picks moving forward.
Before then, speculation will turn to which teams might attempt to trade up – and after the combine, it’s safe to assume more teams will be considering Richardson as a very intriguing prospect compared to a couple of weeks ago. Either way, come April 27, expect to see Anthony Richardson shaking hands with Roger Goodell and holding a new jersey quicker than initially anticipated.
