Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson had a record-setting day at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, emphatically showing that he is one of the most athletic players — quarterback or otherwise — in the 2023 draft class.
On his leap drills, Richardson recorded a 129-inch broad jump followed up by a soaring 40.5-inch vertical jump, both quarterback records for the scouting combine.
He also ran a 4.44-second sprint in his first 40-yard dash attempt.
While these drills don’t replicate the reality of actual NFL play, they do serve their purpose in offering a gauge for prospect athleticism. Richardson is an elite athlete for his position. And he possesses a rocket launcher arm to top things off.
Even with limited collegiate experience — just 393 pass attempts in Gainesville; 54 percent completions — his upside is more than enough for NFL coaches and front office dream on. His performance this weekend in Indianapolis only solidified his chances to go in the first half of the first round come late April. Houston, Indianapolis, Carolina, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Detroit, Seattle and Washington are just a few of the teams that could be in the mix for Richardson’s services.
It is worth asking if Richardson’s performance at the combine could vault him ahead of C.J. Stroud (Ohio State) and/or Will Levis (Kentucky), though Bryce Young (Alabama) should probably still be considered the favorite to be the first quarterback off the board on Day 1.
