The 2023 scouting camp is officially underway as 319 of college football’s top players converge on Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana for one last big chance to make an even bigger impression on scouts from all 32 NFL franchises in attendance.
One of this year’s participants who comes from the orange and blue is a guard Anthony Richardson, who spent three seasons with the Gators in his hometown of Gainesville — one as a redshirt. The 6-foot-4, 244-pound signal-caller put on a show unlike anything seen in the Swamp at times, but at times left a lot to be desired from the multi-talented athlete.
Here’s a look at the final numbers from the NFL combine for former Gators running back Anthony Richardson, including his overall grade and projection. Each section of the event will be updated with a description after all quarterback participants have had their turn.
Measurable values
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Height: 6’4”
Weight: 244 lbs
Hand: 32 3/4”
Hand: 10 1/2”
40 yard dash
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Office hours: 4.44 seconds
A division of 10 seconds
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Official halftime: 1.53 seconds
Vertical jump
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Official record: 40.5”
Long jump
Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun
Official distance: 10’9”
Analysis of results (via next generation statistics)
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Production rating: 70
Athletic result: 99
Overall score: 82
NFL combine degree
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NFL Combine Rating: 6.35
A rating of nearly 6.35 projects Richardson as an eventual plus starter, with a draft projection somewhere between the fourth and fifth rounds, according to Pro Football Draft grading scale. Obviously, his draft ceiling is far higher than that rough projection.
Review
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A dual-threat quarterback with an elite physical profile and plenty of work to do to reach a potentially high ceiling. Richardson’s size, arm talent and mobility will demand respect as a potential first-round option. He has the ability to make plays on the move that very few of his NFL counterparts will be able to pull off.
However, his accuracy on short and simple throws left a lot to be desired, due in part to poor footwork and inconsistent rhythm. The footwork issues can be corrected, but the challenge will be to determine if he can be at least a functionally accurate passer at the next level. Richardson’s potential to hit the deep ball, attack the sideline from sideline to sideline and cut teams with his feet creates more freedom in his projection as a developmental prospect.
Ultimately, he will succeed or fail based on his ability to make plays with better recognition after the snap and play the football consistently. — Lance Zierlein, NFL analyst
Forces
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Elite size, strength and athleticism for the linebacker position.
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Has the potential to perform in a variety of offensive schemes.
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He can play explosively as a passer and runner.
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Arm strength to throw downfield and into tight windows.
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Functional passing accuracy when mechanically sound and in rhythm.
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Willing to take the hit and still make the throw.
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Good awareness of the growing pressure around him.
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Footwork to slide and throw or fight for yards.
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He had a 12:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio in Florida’s last six games.
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Ran for touchdowns of 45, 60, 73, 80 and 81 yards in the last two seasons.
— accessories
Weaknesses
Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union
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Inconsistency and inaccuracy made it difficult for him to achieve sustained success.
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A better sense of the timing of his progression would be nice.
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Short throws need to be spiced up a bit.
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Below average touch and ball placement.
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He has not learned to manipulate covering his eyes.
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Struggles to paint holes in the middle zone with anticipatory throws.
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Accuracy problems are often the result of poor footwork.
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He loses track of coverage and will throw himself into danger.
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Too willing to kick the ball instead of taking a sack.
— accessories
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