Florida Gators quarterback prospect Anthony Richardson has been the subject of heavy debate ahead of Thursday night’s NFL Draft, with many experts and analysts disagreeing on where the dual-threat will ultimately be selected. For most of the lead-up, Richardson has been considered a surefire top 5 pick. But the latest 2023 NFL Draft odds suggest that an Anthony Richardson fall is coming.
The Anthony Richardson NFL Draft Odds Show a Fall Could Be Coming
Richardson NFL Draft odds took a drastic swing on Wednesday morning. The QB was listed at over/under 4.5 draft position (on DraftKings Sportsbook). He is now at o/u 7.5 with the under juiced at -140. The odds reflect Richardson as the fourth quarterback after Bryce Young, Will Levis and C.J. Stroud. Still, Richardson is listed at -700 to go in the top 10.
Richardson’s stock rose following his impressive Pro Day and NFL Combine performances. But it was never talent that held him back. 2022 was Richardson’s first full season under center. He had many jaw-dropping moments, but frustrated fans with some head-scratching moments, as well. He completed just 53.8% of passes for 2,549 yards with 17 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.
Although those numbers don’t scream “NFL star” it is his 654 rushing yards and nine touchdowns that has some scouts thinking he has the makings of a perfect franchise quarterback for the new age.
Given the upside, NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. thinks a team like the Titans — who have the luxury of developing Richardson while playing a veteran for the time being –should make a move on the Florida product.
“So, with that kind of upside, if you can go from 11 to 3 and get him, then why not? Especially for a team that has the bridge quarterback already available, which is important. With only 13 career starts, and Anthony Richardson being a raw, developmental talent, you need to have a quarterback in place for this year and they have that in Tannehill,” Kiper said, per USA Today.
There are a lot of reasons to believe Richardson can be a successful NFL quarterback. But also many reasons to believe he could struggle mightily to find his footing in the league.
The latest 2023 NFL Draft odds show teams may not be as high on Anthony Richardson as we once thought. Even so, we can still expect the quarterback to hear his name called pretty early on in the draft on Thursday night.
