A while ago, I wrote an article that revealed data showing that Quarterbacks who played for less dominant teams in college were overwhelmingly more successful in the NFL than college quarterbacks who played on super teams. I argued that this discrepancy is explained by two factors: One, it is much harder to grade a quarterback who had more talent than the opposition 99% of the time, and two, losing games in college builds the kind of character and tough skin it takes to succeed in professional sports.
I say all that to provide the context for why I think Anthony Richardson coming from a Florida team that finished 6-6, would be a better pick than CJ Stroud and Bryce Young, who lost a combined four games between the two last season. The caveat is that Richardson still has to land in the right situation, ideally for a team with weapons at receiver, and he doesn't have to step in as a starter right away.
The pushback with Richardson is his inaccuracy, as he only completed 54% of his passes and threw nine interceptions to 17 touchdowns. But I counterargue that his 654 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns, and sub 4.5 40-yard time are evidence of a quarterback that is the perfect model of the modern NFL. Look no further than Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts to see what Richardson could do at the next level.
He'll take some work and hopefully land somewhere where he gets to develop for a year or two. But with prototypical size and outstanding play in moments for an often overmatched Florida team, it is clear Richardson has a chance to have the best NFL career of any Quarterback in this class.
For more draft day coverage on who your team should select, click here: Ranking the Most Important Positions in the NFL Based on Data From the Last Decade
