I’ve seen mock drafts where Anthony Richardsonbi is taken in the first round of Superflex startup drafts. I have seen people take him 1.01 in rookie drafts. Many consider this to be too high. Not only is he unproven because he’s a rookie, but he was also unspectacular in college. He has only had 12 starts where he threw for 2,549 passing yards for 17 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Of course, 654 rushing yards for 9 touchdowns is exciting, but that may not translate to real-life NFL success. He also went 6 and 6. So is Anthony Richardson overhyped?

College Context

Florida might not be a powerhouse college like Alabama, but they have a decent reputation. However, they were not fantastic this past year. Billy Napier isn’t well-regarded as a coach and he didn’t have any receivers of note. Anthony Richardson showed great pocket awareness and athleticism but that alone doesn’t make him a great quarterback. With a very strong arm, he has also made some great throws. But the big issue is that he has also made some very inaccurate ones. Mechanics and consistency need to be improved and there’s no guarantee that will happen. I would not say he’s completely raw, but he is a project.

Current Context

Though it wasn’t a complete surprise, it is still amazing that such a project would be taken 4th overall. But he got the best landing spot available. Carolina, Houston, and Arizona would not have been exciting teams for him to be drafted to. But Indianalopis have a historically competent front office, a proven coach, three notable WRs, one of the better RBs, a decent veteran QB to learn from, and high draft capital.

My Opinion

I have Anthony Richardson ranked as a top-12 dynasty QB. His athleticism and arm strength means he has a high floor and ceiling when on the field. The only question is whether he can play well enough to maintain that high ceiling and keep his job. I get that is a question mark, but I’d say job security is a similar or bigger question mark for at least half the QBs in the league. I expect that draft capital to allow him to keep his value for at least two seasons.

Wrap-Up

Would I take Anthony Richardson at the end of the first? No. But do I think it’s crazy? No. I think it’s crazier that Justin Fields, who could easily lose his starting job next year if he doesn’t improve, is being taken in the first round. Would I take Anthony Richardson 1.01 in rookie drafts? Probably not, but it’s not a definite no. I do have Bijan Robinson ranked higher, but they’re close enough that I’d consider Richardson if I need a QB. In redraft, he’d be a late-round consideration. I’d be pretty happy waiting on QB and leaving with Geno Smith and ARich for some safety and upside. So to answer the question: Is Anthony Richardson overhyped? I’d say no.

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