by Stacy Revere/Getty Images
Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson put on a history-making performance at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Saturday.
The NFL was announced that Richardson set new quarterback combine records in both the broad jump (10 feet, 9 inches) and the vertical jump (40.5 inches).
Richardson showcased his immense athleticism and leg strength with dominant performances in drills that are typically the specialty of wide receivers, running backs and defensive backs:
NFL @NFL
Jump 10’9″ from @GatorsFB QB Anthony Richardson?!?!
WOW.
📺: #NFLCombine in the @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/9xUkx6JDtf
StaceyDales @StaceyDales
Anthony Richardson just set a combine record for quarterbacks with a 40.5″ vertical with this… pic.twitter.com/68muNURNwq
As if that weren’t enough, Richardson also flexed in the 40-yard dash, running an unofficial time of 4.40 seconds:
NFL @NFL
Anthony Richardson is having a day.
4.44u on his first run. 😳 @GatorsFB
📺: #NFLCombine in the @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/G1Uv9cyPst
According to Next Generation Stats, that was the second-fastest 40 time by a quarterback at the combine since 2003 and tied Richardson with Robert Griffin III for the most athletic performance by a quarterback at the combine over the same span:
Next Generation Statistics @NextGenStats
Anthony Richardson broke quarterback records at #NFLCombineearning a maximum athleticism score of 99 (official numbers pending).
QB Combine Ranks (since 2003):
🔸 40-Yard Dash: 4.44 (2nd)
🔸 Broad Jump: 10’9″ (1st)< br>🔸 Vertical Jump: 40.5″ (1st)With his support @awscloud @awscloud =”https://t.co/fywNpmnZF6″>pic.twitter.com/fywNpmnZF6
Last season was Richardson’s first and only full campaign as a starting quarterback at the collegiate level, and he showed some special traits that were present Saturday at the combine.
His passing numbers left something to be desired, as he completed just 53.8 percent of his passes for 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions, but he showed an extremely strong arm at times.
Richardson also dominated with his feet, rushing for 654 yards and nine touchdowns for the Gators.
Given that and what he showed at the combine, some observers ripped Richardson in a big way Saturday on Twitter:
Adam Patrick @Str8_Cash_Homey
Anthony Richardson has the makings of a legendary QB in the NFL
I just hope he gets drafted to a team that can actually develop him and not ruin his chances of being great https://t.co/RyU2wYH20p
Brandon Olsen @WNS_Brandon
I’ve been saying for two years, people like Anthony Richardson don’t exist. People his size don’t move like him and if they can, they can’t throw like him.
6’4″
244 lbs
4.44u 40 yard dash (4th fastest QB ever)
10’9″ broad jump (QB Combine record)
40.5 vertical (QB Combine record)
In addition to his skill set, Richardson also has a lot going for him with his stats, as he projects as one of the bigger quarterbacks in the NFL at 6’4¼” and 244 pounds.
NFL Research and NFL draft analyst Warren Sharp noted how Richardson compares favorably to some of the greatest quarterbacks of today and the past, as well as other positions:
NFL research @NFLResearch
Florida QB Anthony Richardson at the 2023 NFL Combine:
Height: 6’4 1/4″ (taller than George Kittle)
Weight: 244 pounds (heavier than Haason Reddick)
Hand: 10 1/2″ (bigger than DeAndre Hopkins)
Vert: 40.5″ (taller than Davante Adams)
Broad Jump: 10’9″ (bigger than Odell Beckham Jr.)
Warren Sharp @SharpFootball
outlook on Anthony Richardson’s size:
Anthony Richardson: 6’4″, 244 lbs
George Kittle: 6’4″, 247 lbs
Derrick Henry: 6’3″, 247 lbs
Von Miller: 6’3″, 246 lbs
Ben Roethlisberger: 6’5″, 241 lbs
Cam Newton: 6’5″, 248 lbs pic.twitter.com/9MNW4SxyT5
In the weeks and months since the college season ended, Richardson has seemingly cemented himself as a potential first-round pick at quarterback along with Alabama’s Bryce Young, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud and Kentucky’s Will Lewis.
Richardson was once thought to be perhaps a late first rounder at best, but his stock seems to be on the rise, and his performance at the combine likely increased that even more.
Per Josh Norris of Underdog Fantasy, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said Saturday that two NFL teams not in the market for a quarterback have Richardson as the No. 2 quarterback on their big boards.
That doesn’t necessarily mean Richardson will be the No. 2 quarterback, but if multiple teams have him that high, there’s a chance some teams in need will too.
Richardson is a project to become much more accurate as a passer, but he showed Saturday why he likely has the highest ceiling of any quarterback in the 2023 draft class.
