NFL Draft Profile: Anthony Richardson

As the NFL's annual free agency frenzy comes to a close, it's time for teams to look forward to the year's best and last chance to improve their rosters: the NFL Draft. As April 27th approaches, we'll look at the prospects most likely to transform a franchise's fortunes.

The Player: Anthony Richardson, Quarterback

Quarterbacks built like Florida's Anthony Richardson don't come along every day. The Gator didn't have a chance to put a lot of throws on tape in his three years in college; he only completed 215 of his 393 passing attempts for 2549 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. However, he demonstrated an overpowering running style that should translate to the pros: he compiled 1116 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns over his 22 appearances, and he'll continue to dwarf many tacklers in the NFL.

The Tools:

At 6'4" and 244 lbs, Richardson has rare size and strength for a quarterback. He also may be one of the best athletes the position has ever seen: he dominated this year's combine, posting position-best marks in the 40-yard dash (4.43), vertical leap (40.5"), and broad jump (10'9"). His combination of a bazooka arm and punishing rushing ability recalls Cam Newton and current Buffalo Bills superstar Josh Allen.

The Verdict:

Richardson may conjure memories of Cam Newton, but he's far less polished and accomplished. Newton won the Heisman Trophy and a title on the back of one of college football's greatest seasons, and Richardson led the Gators to a middling 6-7 record in his only season as a starter. Teams drafting Richardson should strap in for a slower climb to quality play. Josh Allen didn't break out until his third year; Richardson could have a similar trajectory. He's still plenty worthy of a first-round pick.

Photo Credit: © Doug Engle / USA TODAY NETWORK