Scouts on hand for Day 3 of the 2023 NFL combine finally had the chance to evaluate many of the quarterback prospects set to be available in April’s draft. And, thanks to a record-setting effort in his first two events, Anthony Richardson could soon find himself among the top names at the position come draft day.
The former Florida QB made headlines on Saturday after astonishing spectators with his athleticism in the vertical jump and broad jump. Standing at six-foot-four and weighing 244 pounds, Richardson calmly stepped up for both events and proceeded to effortlessly leap his way into the record books, not once but twice.
With a vertical jump of 40.5 inches, Richardson set the QB record for the best performance in the event since 2003. The former Gator’s mark was the best the scouting combine has seen since ex-Florida and Pennsylvania Western University California QB Josh Portis’s 40” leap in 2011.
As if his first showing wasn’t impressive enough, Richardson later set another all-time combine QB record after with an absurd 10’9” broad jump.
Judging by his historic start to the day, it only made sense for Richardson to also crush his turn at the 40-yard dash. And, as you might’ve guessed, that’s exactly what Richardson did as he went on to clock an unreal, unofficial time of 4.44 seconds, per NFL Network.
If Saturday’s showing is any indication, Richardson, who also impressed scouts in interviews on Friday, may have the potential to be among the first few names called at the position next month. And, considering that the 21-year-old has previously cited Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson as influences, Richardson appears to have all of the tools to make an impact as a dual-threat QB at the next level if he can put it all together.
In his final season at Florida, Richardson logged 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also tallied 103 carries for 654 yards and nine rushing TDs.
