Florida QB has record day at NFL combine
There is a lot of hype surrounding Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud and Alabama quarterback Bryce Young heading into the NFL draft.
But the star of the combine March 4 in Indianapolis was Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson.
He set position records for the broad jump when he recorded a 10- foot, 9-inch leap and for the vertical jump with a 40.5-inch effort. Richardson also recorded a 4.43 time for the 40-yard dash, which is the fourth fastest since 2003. Michael Vick (4.33), Reggie McNeal (4.40) and Robert Griffin III (4.41) were the three who have run faster. During his run, Richardson reportedly reached a speed of 23.44 mph.
The 20-year-old also was measured as the tallest and heaviest quarterback at 6-4 and 244 pounds.
His performance caught the attention of former Pro Bowl wide receiver Chad Johnson, who said on Twitter that Richardson was not human.
Richardson’s draft projection
In USA TODAY’s recent mock drafts, Nate Davis has Richardson being selected at No. 8 by the Atlanta Falcons while Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz has him going at No. 9 to the Carolina Panthers.
Richardson opted out of the Gators’ Las Vegas Bowl game in December to prepare for the draft. As a redshirt sophomore, he started 12 games and threw for 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions for a passer rating of 131.0. He added 654 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.
His completion percentage, 53.8, is a source of concern for scouts, which Richardson said is something he’s working on.
While other projected first-round quarterbacks Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Will Levis were enjoying the Super Bowl hoopla, Richardson stayed to his workout routine in the Jacksonville, Florida, area.
Local QB guru Denny Thompson arranged for NFL quarterbacks, including another of his pupils, former Jaguar Gardner Minshew, to talk with Richardson about going through all the draft preparations.
Richardson carves own legacy
On March 4 after Richardson’s stellar performance, Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III commented how, even though the Cam Newton comparisons are easy to make, Richardson is establishing his own name.
“Everyone compares Anthony Richardson to Cam Newton but he is his OWN BEAST,” the former Pro Bowl quarterback wrote on Twitter. “More natural thrower and MORE EXPLOSIVE runner.”