Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
Today’s The Athletic is speculating about whether Richardson could go number 1 in the draft. Wow! I’ve been slamming the idea that he would even go third if the Cards were to trade down. I’m left with one stunning thought if that happens. The power of The Combine is out of control. Being based here in Florida I’ve seen every game he’s played. I’ve written on this forum that he has tremendous upside. However, as in most cases that means he hasn’t done it yet. Florida had a mediocre year. He has made some tremendous plays, but in the end he’s partly responsible for that mediocrity. From ill-advised throws to simply inaccurate throws, his passing issues cost them games.
Even in the Combine his passing inaccuracy was apparent. He left no question he is easily the best athlete of the group. At this point he is not the best QB or even close. His ball placement is weak, his judgment of when to throw into coverage is questionable and his occasional happy feet makes him concerning. If that sounds like someone you know, he’s like a bigger version of that guy with a weaker college career. His tenure at Florida also makes one worry about his coachability. He didn’t grow his QB skill as much as I would have expected.
So, if he goes even top 5, that is not based on his college performance. It’s based on his athleticism. History says that’s a risky basis for selection. The number of failed great QB athletes is long. There’s a few struggling ones in the league right now. Trey Lance being the example that comes to mind. He was not a dominant college QB. He may still work out, but clearly he was taken based on athletic prowess.
I’m not saying Richardson won’t go top 5. I do know QB desperate teams make reaches. I just think history says it‘s a bad position to reach to get. Nonetheless, if the Lions wanted to offer 2 number ones to get him, I’d take that deal.
Even in the Combine his passing inaccuracy was apparent. He left no question he is easily the best athlete of the group. At this point he is not the best QB or even close. His ball placement is weak, his judgment of when to throw into coverage is questionable and his occasional happy feet makes him concerning. If that sounds like someone you know, he’s like a bigger version of that guy with a weaker college career. His tenure at Florida also makes one worry about his coachability. He didn’t grow his QB skill as much as I would have expected.
So, if he goes even top 5, that is not based on his college performance. It’s based on his athleticism. History says that’s a risky basis for selection. The number of failed great QB athletes is long. There’s a few struggling ones in the league right now. Trey Lance being the example that comes to mind. He was not a dominant college QB. He may still work out, but clearly he was taken based on athletic prowess.
I’m not saying Richardson won’t go top 5. I do know QB desperate teams make reaches. I just think history says it‘s a bad position to reach to get. Nonetheless, if the Lions wanted to offer 2 number ones to get him, I’d take that deal.