2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Anthony Richardson, Quarterback, University of Florida

Florida Gators football Anthony Richardson — Anthony Richardson enters the 2023 NFL draft season as one of the most highly discussed players. On one hand he is a talented player with a lot of potential.

Anthony Richardson is regarded by most as one of the best quarterback prospects in the 2023 NFL draft. We break down his skillset here.

Anthony Richardson enters the 2023 NFL draft season as one of the most highly discussed players. On one hand he is a talented player with a lot of potential. On the other hand, some will point to his inconsistency as reason not to draft him.

Because of this, the range for where he could come off the board is pretty wide. We break down why that is the case.

The scouting report is also available in a video format here. I strongly encourage everyone to watch that video as it allows you to visualize everything I discuss in this scouting report.

Overview

Birthdate: 5/22/2001

Height/Weight: 6-foot-4, 232 pounds

High School: Eastside High School (Gainesville, FL)

Recruit (247): 2020 class 4 Star No. 204 Natl No. 9 Dual Threat QB

2022 Stats: 175/330 2,553 Yards 17 TD 9 INT 713 Rush Yards 9 TD

2022 PFF: 80.1

2021 Stats: 37/63 527 Yards 6 TD 5 INT 415 Rush Yards 3 TD

2021 PFF: 74.8

Strengths

Arm Strength
- Elite Arm Talent
  - Ball coming out of his hand simply looks different than most QBs.
  - Ball jumps out of his hand.
  - Someone capable of making nearly any throw there is to make.
- Deep Ball
  - Arm strength allows hi to air the ball out downfield.
  - Threw downfield quite a lot at Florida (11.5 ADOT) and his arm talent allowed him to do that.
- Velocity
  - The velocity he puts on his passes allows him to make tight window throws.
  - Important when projecting to the NFL when the windows are tighter than ever.
Athleticism
- Running Ability
  - Will be one of the best runners in the league at QB.
  - Combination of speed, elusiveness, and power at his size (6-foot-4, 232 pounds) is rare for QBs.
  - 713 rush yards in 2022 was 12th in FBS amongst QBs.
  - 39 missed tackles forced was 4th in FBS amongst QBs.
- Extending Plays
  - Athleticism allows him to make plays as a scrambler that most can’t make.
Pocket Presence
- Avoiding Sacks
  - Senses pressure very well.
  - Navigates the pocket better than any QB in this draft.
  - Pressure to sack %: 9.2% (142 pressures, 13 sacks) – very good, especially considering competition level.
  - Combination of ability to sense pressure, athleticism, and size is rare and makes him project very well in avoiding sacks at NFL level as well.

Weaknesses

Inconsistent Accuracy
- Missed Throws
  - Makes subpar throws way too often, especially for a QB who could go top ten.
  - At times needs to control his velocity as when he puts the ball outside of his receivers frame it makes the pass very hard to bring in.
  - 64.1 adj. Comp % was last in the FBS amongst 82 QBs with at least 328 dropbacks.
  - Skewed because he throws down the field more than most QBs, but still very concerning.
Quick Game
- Short Throws
  - Didn’t utilize the short, quick game as much as he’ll need to in the NFL.
  - Important part of being a QB in the NFL is taking what the defense gives you by exploiting the quick, short passing game and he needs to improve in that area.
  - 62.5 adj comp % on short (0-9 air yards) pass attempts – last in FBS amongst 135 QBs with at least 56 attempts.
  - 33.8 grade on short (0-9 air yards) pass attempts- last in FBS amongst 135 QBs with at least 56 attempts.