Anthony Richardson goes No. 4 in 2023 NFL Draft; fans and media are split on his future
Anthony Richardson was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday night. One of the most divisive players in the entire draft class was the third quarterback off the board behind Bryce Young and CJ Stroud.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Richardson measured 6-foot-4, 244 pounds with an athleticism score of 99 – tops among QBs. The athletic profile has been talked about ad nauseam. But the former Florida quarterback only started 13 games during his college career and left the Gators with a career 54.7% completion rate and a 3.8% interception rate.
Richardson is one of the bigger mysteries in the draft. Indianapolis is hoping he can develop into a franchise quarterback. Some aren’t as sure. Here’s a bit of the reaction to Richardson’s selection.
He’s not wrong
Going from Matt Ryan to Anthony Richardson has to be one of the most dramatic athleticism upgrades in NFL history
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) April 28, 2023
Indy taking a risk?
I hope I'm wrong about Anthony Richardson because it would be incredible to see him at his best.
But man, riskiest top-5 pick ever.
— Connor O'Gara (@cjogara) April 28, 2023
Live look at Will Levis after that random Reddit post
Will Levis watching Anthony Richardson go 4th Overall pic.twitter.com/ssBFht2zGU
— Barstool Sportsbook (@BSSportsbook) April 28, 2023
And then there’s Tennessee
Trevor Lawrence vs CJ Stroud vs Anthony Richardson duels in the AFC South for the next decade pic.twitter.com/YzeJNLOHfn
— Nico (@elitetakes_) April 28, 2023
Yes
Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson could be a lethal combo
— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) April 28, 2023
But what about the waterbed?
I will eat my phone if Anthony Richardson turns out to be an above average NFL Quarterback
— Three Year Letterman (@3YearLetterman) April 28, 2023
A special moment
Anthony Richardson’s reaction to getting drafted ?
Special moment for the QB
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/q10m0PsBRG
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 28, 2023
Pretty good company
The last 3 QBs drafted in the first round by the Colts
?Peyton Manning
?Andrew Luck
?Anthony Richardson pic.twitter.com/Kz5QVB8K4o— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 28, 2023
Skip chimes in
I know what Anthony Richardson could become – he won the Combine – but I didn't see it when I watched him in games last season. Just not accurate enough – a quality that's difficult to teach. But what measurables.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 28, 2023
As does RG3
Anthony Richardson’s game is ripe for development and there is no better place for him than the Indianapolis Colts with HC Shane Steichen who helped Jalen Hurts develop in Philly. With the right coaching and support, Richardson could become an UNSTOPPABLE FORCE.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 28, 2023
Cam Jackson no more
#Colts QB Anthony Richardson, who used to call himself 'Cam Jackson' after drawing comparisons to former Heisman Trophy winners and league MVPs, Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson.
"It's time to make my own legacy. No more Cam Jackson. It's Anthony Richardson now."
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) April 28, 2023
I Am Legend
Anthony Richardson has "I want to be a legend" on the inside of his coat at the NFL draft ?@LauraRutledge | @GatorsFB pic.twitter.com/mVCh1sRJcw
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) April 27, 2023
Well…
I don’t get the Anthony Richardson thing. At all.
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) April 28, 2023
Lamar ? AR
Lamar Jackson paved the way for a guy like Anthony Richardson to go No. 4 overall. Dream day for both guys and many highlights to come from both.
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) April 28, 2023
That Utah play
Anthony Richardson goes No. 4 to Indianapolis.
On the one hand, he completed 53 percent of his passes this year.
On the other hand…. he does stuff like THIS ???
Upside is INSANE pic.twitter.com/ZjYB3xmMqO
— Aaron Torres Sports Podcast (@AaronTorresPod) April 28, 2023
The social media analyst
Anthony Richardson is the most exciting player in the #NFLDraft because you have NO IDEA what you’ll get.
Congrats Colts, we’ll all be watching!
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) April 28, 2023
Pretty strong endorsement
NFC exec on Anthony Richardson: "I don't want to play [against] him. He's the guy out of this draft that I'd least like to play. Better quarterback playing the position than given credit for. He can read it out and has some good throws."
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 28, 2023
