Anthony Richardson Dynasty Rookie Profile
Table of Contents
High School
Anthony Richardson attended Eastside High School in Gainesville, Florida. He was the Quarterback at Eastside for parts of four seasons. His best season came in 2018-2019. He completed 86 of his 177 attempts, (48.6%) for 1,567 yards and 17 touchdowns. Richardson added 95 carries for 924 yards and 4 additional scores. Anthony Richardson had his senior season cut short by injury but was still one of the top quarterback recruits in the country. After completing his High School career, Richardson committed to the University of Florida to play college football.
College
In his three seasons at Florida, Richardson appeared in a total of 22 games for the Gators. His first two seasons were limited to three games in 2020 and seven more in 2021. In those 10 contests, Richardson combined to complete 39 of 66 passes (59%), for 556 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions. On the ground, he was productive, totaling 462 yards and three scores on 58 carries.
Entering the 2022 season, with Emery Jones transferring to Arizona State, Anthony Richardson became the Gators undisputed starting QB. Florida finished with a 6-7 record with Richardson throwing for 2,549 yards (176-327-53.8%, 17 TDs, nine INTs) and rushing for 654 yards and nine scores in 12 games.
If Anthony Richardson were not on your radar prior to the NFL Combine, I would be willing to bet that he is now. He set QB Combine records in the vertical, and broad jump, as well as posted the 4th-best QB 40 time, (4.43) in the event’s history. Richardson has elevated his NFL draft stock and his fantasy value rightly or wrongly based on his combine performance.
NFL
Anthony Richardson projects to be a top-5 NFL draft selection. He will likely be drafted in the same range in Superflex and 2QB leagues as well. Those participating in 1QB rookie drafts can safely wait into the second round to target their new QB. Richardson has an enormously high ceiling to go along with a rock-bottom floor.
Admittedly, after being all in on Trey Lance a few seasons ago, I have a rather hypocritical position on Anthony Richardson’s draft profile. In a word, I am not a fan. What makes this a hypocritical take is a lot of the unchecked boxes that I ignored when studying Lance I can’t seem to ignore when it comes to Richardson. Perhaps I have more clarity, or maybe I haven’t quite given up hope for Lance. Whatever the reason the red flags are bright and flying high.
There is no denying the athletic ability of this prospect, after all the man is referred to as an athletic freak. He possesses a cannon for a throwing arm and by now I think we are all aware of his immense rushing abilities. Where I find pause when watching his film, is he tends to be wildly inaccurate and I do not like his footwork in the pocket. There is also a glaring lack of experience at the college level as a starter, which concerns me.
There are those in the community that will comp him to Josh Allen, a big strong mobile QB with accuracy issues coming out of college. I get that comparison, I just don’t see the ceiling side of it. Richardson comps more to Cam Newton for me, which if he can run will pay off immensely for fantasy. As mediocre a passer as Cam Newton was, Anthony Richardson has some work to do to get to that level.
Those drafting this gifted rookie QB will need to be patient. He needs to be drafted by a team with a strong coaching staff that can develop quarterbacks. He’ll need a team willing to build around his skills and incorporates a heavy rushing attack that can take pressure off him as a passer. If the stars align here, Richardson could be a special player. Pre-draft, I have him at the top of the second tier behind my first-tier of C.J. Stoud and Bryce Young.
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