Few prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft pool have raised their stock this spring quite as dramatically as Anthony Richardson.
The Florida quarterback has risen from “potential first round pick” to a possible top three selection thanks to absurd athleticism, ideal build and top-of-the-line arm strength. While his college numbers paint him as an inaccurate passer whose ability to play like a star flickered on and off throughout his time as a starter, his physical attributes suggest he’s “Josh Allen, but better.”
This hype train picked up speed Thursday at the Gators’ pro day showcase. Richardson threw 62 passes in front of NFL scouts, ranging from laser beams on out routes to rainbows downfield. He completed 55 of them — ending on this completely ludicrous and entirely casual 70-yard flick of his arm.
And this is how Anthony Richardson closed his pro day throwing session. He’ll join us shortly on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/DVQVFzYQkg
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 30, 2023
Here’s one of his less impressive throws — an incompletion because he clanked the ball off the dang ceiling like he’s taking batting practice at Tropicana Field.
Breaking: Anthony Richardson finally hit the ceiling. Hear the thud as his 60+ yard throw hits the roof pic.twitter.com/8GZdQsTsPI
— Zach Cohen (@ZachCohenFB) March 30, 2023
Richardson’s legend will only grow as his pro day film is dissected in the midst of a slow week for football news. Make no mistake, these throws deserve to be revered; they’re absolutely gorgeous. But they don’t necessarily mean he’ll be able to replicate them in an actual game. After all …
If nothing else, that sidewinder missile-launching arm should be good enough to keep Richardson at the top of mock drafts into April. We’ll see if NFL teams use that tape to outweigh his 53.8 percent completion rate for a 6-7 Gator team and push him above fellow quarterback prospects like Will Levis, Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud.
