Quarterback – Florida

6’4, 237 lbs

Strengths

Richardson is a versatile quarterback with a good size for an NFL quarterback. His dual-threat ability limits defenses in their approach to pass defense concepts. He has solid mechanics as well as he can generate a lot of natural power in his passes without proper footing. Additionally, his ability to grasp offensive concepts helps him as he excels at anticipating his receiver’s position and putting a touch on his passes.  Furthermore, he does well using his eyes to manipulate defenders to be out of position in the passing game. Has the size to run designed quarterback runs as well which could really help his potential in the NFL. 

Weaknesses

Richardson does show inconsistent ball placement a fair amount. He tends to bail on the pocket quickly. His mistakes on film of forcing some passes or his leading a 6-6 Florida team will play into the evaluation process as well. Ultimately it should not, as he cannot control the surrounding talent of the program, nor can we assume that he hasn’t learned from those reps and simply not showcased it in more reps since.

NFL Fit and Draft Capital

Draft capital and potential NFL fit are probably what makes Richardson one of the most polarizing prospects in this 2023 rookie class. Richardson has a total of 393 career pass attempts. Compared to other 1st Round hopeful quarterbacks (Bryce Young 928, CJ Stroud 728, Will Levis 738, Hendon Hooker 944) it makes it more of a challenge to determine his intangibles. 

With such little to go on, is a good rep proof to determine he knows the concept? If so is a poor rep enough to show he doesn’t know the concept? The last time we has a quarterback prospect with such few reps, it was Trey Lance (318) in the 2021 class. Richardson will have his game picked apart but it is my firm belief he is still a top-15 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft at this time.

For dynasty purposes, he could be a second-round pick in rookie drafts. He will be a player that is widely contested in analyst circles. For those who focus on physical gifts or finding the next Josh Allen, they’ll praise him to no end. For those who use strictly numbers, they’ll use his sample size and mediocre stats (on a mediocre Florida team) as reasons he will never pan out. Embrace the debate now on Richardson, because it’s a long off-season. He does need time and an offensive mind to coach him up, much like basically every quarterback in the past two draft cycles. If you are struggling with how to rate him, go watch the film on his passing attempts, that is going to be the best way for you to determine what Richardson is to you.

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