Anthony Richardson sets multiple NFL Combine QB records
There’s a lot of hype surrounding Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud and Alabama quarterback Bryce Young going into the NFL draft.
But the star of Saturday’s NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium was Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson.
Richardson set position records for the long jump when he recorded a jump of 10 feet and 9 inches and for the vertical jump with an effort of 40.5 inches. He also posted a time of 4.43 for the 40-yard dash, which is the fourth fastest time since 2003. Michael Vick (4.33), Reggie McNeal (4.40) and Robert Griffin III (4.41) were the three who ran faster than him. During his run, Richardson reportedly achieved a speed of 23.44 miles per hour.
The 20-year-old was also 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 wasn’t human.
Projection design by Anthony Richardson
In USA TODAY’s recent mock drafts, Nate Davis picks Richardson 8th on the Atlanta Falcons while Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz sends him 9th on the Carolina Panthers.
Richardson sat out 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 131.0 passer rating. He added 654 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.
His 53.8 completion percentage is a concern for Scouts, and Richardson says he’s working on it.
“It’s all about helping guys and helping guys help me,” he said. “My graduation percentage, some people say it’s not great. I don’t think it’s great either. But it only grows as a quarterback, and not every year will be your best year, and I definitely learned a lot from last season.”
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COMPETITION:Ohio State QB CJ Stroud says ‘I was the best player in college football’
Anthony Richardson carves his own legacy amid Cam Newton comparisons
Growing up, Richardson combined the talents of Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and Baltimore Ravens MVP Lamar Jackson to shape his game and dubbed himself “Cam Jackson.”
On the Saturday after Richardson’s outstanding performance, Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III commented that while the Newton comparisons are easy to make, Richardson is establishing his own name.
“Everyone compares Anthony Richardson to Cam Newton but he’s his OWN BEAST,” the former Pro Bowl qua tweeted. “A more natural thrower and a more explosive runner.”
