Rookie Scouting Profile: Anthony Richardson

FullTime Fantasy Rookie Scouting Profile: Anthony Richardson (QB)

Anthony Richardson (QB) Florida

Height	Weight	40-Time	DOB	NFL Draft	Dynasty ADP	NFL Comp
6-4	244	4.43	05/22/2001	Round 1	2.03	Cam Newton

College Production

A four-star recruit out of Gainsville, Richardson originally committed to Florida over Georgia, Michigan, Virginia Tech, and others before de-committing. Ultimately, Richardson chose to stay home and signed with the Gators and played sparingly in 2020. The following season, he drew one start and played in seven other contests while splitting time but flashed elite rushing ability. In 2022 junior campaign, Richardson took over as Florida’s starter and threw for 2,549 yards (53.8%), 17 touchdown passes, and nine picks while running 103 times for an additional 654 yards and nine touchdowns.

Strengths

• Blew away the scouting crowd in Indianapolis by posting stunning measurables, including a 99th percentile 40 (4.43) and Burst Score (135.4). Per Player Profiler, Richardson is the most athletic quarterback ever tested.

• Superlative runner with the size and power of a fullback but speed and rushing skills of Lamar Jackson or Cam Newton. Richardson profiles as an outstanding short-yardage option and also had four TD scrambles of 60-plus yards.

• Powerful throwing arm who can get the ball 70-plus yards downfield and has the authority to place the ball anywhere, especially on the run.

• Has the height and frame to stand in the pocket and hold his own while commanding fear as a game-breaker once he takes off running.

• Only 9.2% of pressures turned into sacks and ranked 6th in FBS with time to throw. 12.4 yards per scramble is the highest ever tracked by PFF.

• Above average awareness and footwork. When in a rhythm, Richardson showed good accuracy inside 20 yards.

Areas for Improvement

• Erratic accuracy is a huge concern and something that rarely improves against NFL defenses. Many league personnel believe that Richardson will need at least one NFL red-shirt season, which could limit number of GMs willing to invest a Day One pick.

• Inconsistent mechanics led to far too many throws off the back foot and misses of wide-open receivers. Touch and timing also leave a lot to be desired.

• Did not break down defenses as well as coveted by scouts. Also struggled to go through progressions and look defenders off of intended targets.

• Only had one injury-shortened season as a starter at Florida.

Fantasy Outlook

Richardson is the boom-or-bust pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. If he lands in the right system with a coach who will build his offense around Richardson’s elite skill set, Richardson has the potential to post elite fantasy numbers right away in a similar fashion to Justin Fields. However, there are plenty of detractors of his ability to ever become a legitimate NFL passer. While Josh Allen showed vast improvement in accuracy as a pro, for every Allen there are far more inaccurate draftees who never do.

In today’s era of spread and RPO offenses, Richardson is going to command attention as a potential game-changing athlete in the first round. Landing spot will be crucial, but Richardson is every bit of a risk/reward fantasy prospect. Expect the former Gator to be a top-6 pick in Superflex leagues and go as a QB2 in redraft.