It’s no secret that the Indianapolis Colts are looking for a new franchise quarterback, and the expectation is that the team will use the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft to complete that search.
With many different opinions on this year’s prospects, we still have no inclination of who will be available when Indy is on the clock on the final Thursday in April.
We’ll be tracking the Colts’ reported interest in the 2023 draft class so be sure to keep up with latest updates via our tracker.
Let’s get to know Florida’s Anthony Richardson and what he can bring to the Circle City:
Background
Anthony Richardson was born in Miami, Florida on May 22, 2002. His mother’s name is LaShawnda Lane. He was also raised by his uncle, Jobbin Lane, who played a major role in his upbringing. He, unfortunately, passed away when Richardson was in sixth grade. He has a lion tattoo on his right forearm for his uncle.
The Athletic did a great feature on how important Richardon’s uncle was to him.
High School
Richardson played for Eastside High School in Gainesville, FL. He played in 32 games throughout all four high school seasons throwing for a total of 4,633 yards and 37 touchdowns. As well as running for a total of 1,633 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns. His best season came during his junior year when he threw for 1,567 yards and 17 touchdowns. Richardson also ran for 924 yards and 16 touchdowns.
He also played basketball for two seasons on his school’s varsity squad. He averaged 10.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 1.5 APG.
He was a four-star recruit, the ninth-highest-rated dual-threat quarterback, the 30th-best prospect in Florida, and the 204th-best recruit in the 2020 class. He originally committed to the University of Florida in 2018 before de-commiting in February 2019. But just a couple of months later, Richardson would end up recommitting to playing in his hometown and the Gators.
College
Richardson redshirted his freshman year but still appeared in three games. He threw the ball twice. One was for a 27-yard touchdown and the second attempt was intercepted. He also ran the ball seven times for 61 yards. The following season was spent in a backup role to Emory Jones.
He appeared in seven games throwing for 529 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions. Richardson was a contributor to Florida’s rushing attack with 401 yards and three touchdowns. He made his first career start in 2021 against Georgia. He was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team after the season.
He took the full-time starting role entering the 2022 season. Richardson played in 12 games throwing for 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Of course, he flashed his running ability with 654 yards and nine touchdowns. He also owns Florida’s record for the longest rushing touchdown (81 yards) by a quarterback.
ANTHONY RICHARDSON WAS UNSTOPPABLE ✈️ pic.twitter.com/0EDr211DHI
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 16, 2022
Injury History
Right knee injury, torn meniscus (2018)
Right shoulder injury (2018, 2019) – Four games missed in 2019
Hamstring strain (2021) – Two games missed
Concussion (2021)
Sprained knee while dancing (2021) – two games missed
Right knee injury, torn meniscus (2021) – one game missed
Right knee surgery following the 2021 season
Some other notable injuries during Richardson’s college career:
I’d love to hear how teams are feeling about Anthony Richardson’s medical testing.
His injury history is quite extensive and has some 🚩 .
From @TheFantasyDRS (upcoming Rookie Injury Draftguide) https://t.co/rr9PiriTqV pic.twitter.com/tWk5QZX1xt
— Jesse Morse, MD, MBA (@DrJesseMorse) March 2, 2023
NFL Combine
Measurements
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 244
Arm Length: 32 3/4″
Hand Size: 10 1/2″
Testing
40-Yard Dash: 4.43
10-Yard Split: 1.53
Vertical Jump: 40.5”
Broad Jump: 10’ 9”
To no surprise, Richardson put on a spectacle at the combine with his testing numbers. He set a modern combine record for quarterbacks with his vertical jump. It was the best number since 2003. His broad jump tied Matt Jones for the record which also has been since 2003 since a quarterback did that. His 40-yard dash time is fourth among quarterbacks that have tested since 2003.
During the combine, his teammate from Florida raved about his ability to play basketball:
Florida DL Gervon Dexter said he and QB Anthony Richardson played AAU basketball together. Gervon said he played power forward, but Richardson could have played any spot 1-5. Also raved about Richardson’s athleticism saying AR could’ve won the slam dunk contest this year pic.twitter.com/eUf7GaEYzj
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) March 1, 2023
Richardson not only tested well but he also did throw at the combine:
Pro Day
Richardson continued to rise his draft stock with his Pro Day:
Random Nugget
Appeared on Netflix’s “QB1: Beyond the Lights” documentary series that also had Justin Fields on it at one point.
Scouting Report
Richardson is an intriguing quarterback prospect because of the athletic ability that he brings to the position and the flashes he shows on his tape as a thrower of the football. His arm strength allows him to laser in throws into tight windows and can hit the deep shots when his receiver has his man beat. Doing it at a consistent rate is what Richardson needs to work on to be a better quarterback at the next level.
He has his throws where the ball sails out of his hands which leads to an overshot on his receiver and not even giving them a chance at the ball. Some throws also end up behind his receiver, he will need to work on hitting his receiver in stride to help the offense pick up more yards after the catch. This can be fixed within his mechanics, but teams will have to decide if that should be fixed by playing right away or behind the scenes as he develops before he gets his first start.
One of the underrated parts of his game is his pocket presence. Richardson is very solid at manipulating the pocket and climbing up to avoid the rushers so he can deliver his throw. His mobility allows him to extend plays so his receivers can work themselves open or he can take off to move the sticks.
His rushing ability fits where the NFL game is headed with the quarterback position. He has the speed to outrun defensive backs, sudden movements in open space to shake off defenders, and the play strength to shed weak tackle attempts to keep the play moving.
In Year 1, it might be best served for him to sit back and learn how to be a pro while working on the aspects of his game that needs development. If he has to play, I do believe he can but there will be down moments when he drops back to pass but his rushing ability can succeed right away which can help an offense be potentially potent in his rookie season.
By Year 3, if he remains healthy and cleans up his mechanics, he offers the ceiling to be a Pro Bowl-level quarterback and could put together an MVP season similar to what Lamar Jackson did early in his career. Richardson is a high-risk quarterback because of his lack of experience but if a team can tap into his full potential then he has the capability to end up being the best quarterback in this class.
Projection: Top five pick
Shane Steichen’s valued QB traits
Steichen mentioned earlier this offseason about the traits he looks for in young quarterbacks. “I think accuracy, decision-making, and the ability to create are the three things that I look at in a quarterback,” Steichen said. “I think those all three things are very important but obviously, above the neck, the players that I’ve been around – Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert, and Philip Rivers, they all have one thing in common. They’re obsessed with their craft. If you can find that in a quarterback, you’ll probably have some success.”
Accuracy: Richardson’s 54.7% completion percentage is a concern but it should be noted that Florida was 108th in the country in drops in 2022. He’s inconsistent with his accuracy, he will have moments where he drops it in a bucket but follow it up with an overshot or throws the ball nowhere near his receiver.
Biggest issue with Anthony Richardson is his consistency with accuracy. When it’s on, though…whew ain’t it pretty.
A well-placed back shoulder throw on the 9 route. Effortless arm, too. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/rY91FS0pB4
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) December 15, 2022
Decision Making: Similar to his accuracy, this is another inconsistent issue with Richardson. He will make the right decision when he is extending a play to either make the throw or take off to create yards. But he has his moments where he looks to force a throw into coverage which results in a turnover or he thinks he can shake off a sack attempt that led to fumbles. He will need to learn when he just needs to take the sack at the next level.
Richardson feeling the pressure in his blind spot, stepping up in a constrained pocket, and putting the ball in a decent spot (considering pressure) for his WR to make a play. pic.twitter.com/SIIFFNQS16
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) April 1, 2023
Ability to Create: This is an easy checkmark for Richardson in Steichen’s valued quarterback traits. His athleticism is an A+ in his game because he can either move within the pocket or get outside to extend the play. He can bring an explosive element to the offense because he can either rocket the ball for a deep shot or take off for a 20+ yard run at any moment.
Biggest issue with Anthony Richardson is his consistency with accuracy. When it’s on, though…whew ain’t it pretty.
A well-placed back shoulder throw on the 9 route. Effortless arm, too. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/rY91FS0pB4
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) December 15, 2022
Richardson only has one checkmark in Steichen’s traits he is looking for but he’s shown he is capable of being an accurate quarterback and making smart decisions with the football. Those traits will be dependent on if Steichen believes he can fix the inconsistencies and develop him into the quarterback that he can be in the NFL.
