by As many predicted would happen, Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson took over the 2023 NFL Combine. Classified first among all generals at 6-4 1/4″ height and weight (244 lbs.), placed first in the 40-yard dash (4.43) and posted a 40.5″ vertical jump and a 10’9″ broad jump. Yes, they both ranked first among all generals too.
The 21-year-old 4.43 40-yard dash was the second-fastest 40 time by a first-round quarterback at the NFL Combine since 2006; per ESPN. The 10’9″ broad jump was also one NFL Combine record for quarterback. The bottom line is that Richardson tore it up and raised his stock—so much so that he did could go No. 1 overall next month.
While Richardson has established himself as one of the more intriguing prospects in this class, where would he best fit in the NFL? There is no doubt that he is a raw quarterback. would he be better suited to sit for a year or is he a day 1 starter? Below we break down the top 10 potential landing spots that would serve as the best for Richardson.
Former Colts coach Chuck Pagano he said this offseason that Indy needs to stop messing with these veteran quarterbacks and design their new signal caller, and he’s absolutely right. Former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen is now in charge, and we saw how Jalen Hurts turned the corner once he took over as play-caller. The Colts may not have the best roster in the NFL, but they do have a stout defense, one of the best running backs in the league in Jonathan Taylor and a No. 1 wideout prospect in Michael Pittman Jr. CBS Sports NFL Draft expert Chris Trapasso predicted in a recent mock the Colts trade up to No. 1 overall to select Richardson. It could happen.
No one knows what’s going to happen with Lamar Jackson, but it’s possible he’ll be playing elsewhere in 2023. If that’s the case, Baltimore will have to reevaluate the most important position in football. While the Cam Newton comparisons to Richardson were inevitable, he also received some praise like Lamar. In fact, Richardson said he started calling “Cam Jackson” at highschool. It’s not funny.
We know Richardson can run the ball and has a cannon of an arm — even if that cannon needs some polishing. John Harbaugh had a hand in developing a quarterback into a perennial MVP candidate. Maybe he could do the same for Richardson. At the same time, the loss of Jackson would lead to an automatic demotion.
The Falcons have already decided to part ways with Marcus Mariota, and then Desmond Ridder didn’t exactly light the world on fire in Year 1. Head coach Arthur Smith needs to do something to stay off the hot seat and landing Richardson it could be just what the doctor ordered.
First, Smith hails from Tennessee, where he found success designing for the running back. He’s trying to do the same in Atlanta and led Tyler Allgeier to 1,000-plus yards with 4.9 yards per carry in his rookie season. Bringing in a big body like Richardson, who is also a speedy player, would fit this offense. Richardson would also have a former Florida weapon to work with in Kyle Pitts, plus Drake London.
The Panthers have been searching for their new franchise quarterback since parting ways with Newton a few years ago. With Frank Reich now in charge, he will be looking for his new quarterback. After what happened in Indy, he understands how important this decision is.
Reich might be one of the best recruits from this coaching cycle. Not only does he understand that his new young defense is the “secret sauce” that can serve as the Panthers’ identity, but he also understands that you have to run the ball to be a championship team. Even without Christian McCaffrey for most of the season, Carolina finished with the No. 10 overall offensive offense thanks to D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard. Carolina could be an ideal landing spot for a young quarterback whose best football days are ahead of him. Plus, the Cam Newton comparisons are right there.
The Raiders may not have the best coaching staff in the NFL, but look at the setup on offense. Josh Jacobs is back in the fold for 2023 with the franchise tag, and then Davante Adams and Darren Waller are under contract. Yes, the AFC West is probably the toughest division in the NFL, but that’s all the more reason to shoot for the moon with a prospect like Richardson.
Okay, hear me out. The Commanders identity remains on the defensive side of the ball and they have a very solid unit led by one of the best defensive lines in the league. Offensively, while Washington is making progress, they still need to find that franchise quarterback. Richardson could be that guy.
The Commanders have a talented trio of wideouts in Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson, two good backs in Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson and now have one of the best offensive coordinators in the league in Eric Bieniemy. The Commanders will be exciting if they find the right quarterback.
Pete Carroll showed the NFL world last year that he didn’t need Russell Wilson to succeed as the Seahawks made the playoffs while the Denver Broncos didn’t. What I like about this situation in Seattle is that Richardson doesn’t need to play right away. Seattle likes Geno Smith, and the veteran said things are “I look really good” when it comes to potential contract extension. It’s entirely possible that Richardson will sit out more than a year. Smith gives Seattle that kind of flexibility. The Seahawks are getting better on defense, have a young running back with huge potential in Kenneth Walker III and then, of course, DK Metcalf.
The Lions turned the corner last year as Dan Campbell led the franchise to its first winning record since 2017. Detroit also came close to making the postseason for the first time since 2016 and is clearly on the right track. Jared Goff likes Campbell, but he’s not the “future” at the position. Richardson can sit back, learn from the veteran signal caller as well as offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and then take over for Jameson Williams in a year or two.
While it’s probably unlikely, I think the Vikings would be one of the best landing spots for Richardson. For one, Kevin O’Connell is a young offensive line coach who has accomplished a lot in his first season in the NFL. The Vikings also have a great running back in Dalvin Cook, and then arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL in Justin Jefferson. To top it off, Richardson could sit behind Kirk Cousins and then fill his shoes in a seamless transition.
Daniel Jones reportedly wants to more than $45 million annually? No thanks. How about franchise tagging Jones and drafting an even more athletic quarterback that reminds some of former Wyoming gun Josh Allen? We saw what Brian Dumball did with Allen in Buffalo. Perhaps the best landing spot for Richardson is his partnership with the reigning NFL Coach of the Year in New York. While I’m comfortable saying that won’t happen, it’s very exciting to think about. Richardson’s development is the most important thing when it comes to considering where he should land.
