Top draft fits for Florida QB Anthony Richardson

Just eight days away from the 2023 NFL Draft and Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson has been perhaps the biggest riser of the predraft process.

Considered a fringe first-round QB a little more than two months ago, Richardson helped himself with strong performances during the NFL Combine and Florida’s pro day, and now he could be taken as high as third overall.

Draft position aside, here are the three best fits for Richardson as he makes the jump to the NFL.

Minnesota Vikings

While many experts agree he has a tremendously high ceiling, Richardson is still a raw talent. Prior to the 2022 season, he’d attempted only 66 passes in two seasons. In his lone year as the Gators starter, Richardson averaged just 212 passing yards per game with 17 touchdown passes and nine interceptions. 

What better place to land than with a team like the Vikings, who already have an established starter under contract but could be looking for some new blood come 2024? Many Vikings insiders believe this season will be Kirk Cousins’ last in Minnesota. If so, Richardson presents a high-upside option who can sit for a year, study the playbook, be personally groomed by former QB-turned-head coach Kevin O’Connell and learn how to best build a rapport with Justin Jefferson, K.J. Osborn and T.J. Hockenson.

Seattle Seahawks

Much of the above applies for Seattle as well. Sure, Geno Smith signed a three-year contract in March worth up to $105 million, but the team could get out of it after one year for $27.3 million if it wanted to. And it’s not a given that Smith will replicate his career-reviving 2022 season in which he threw for 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while leading the NFL with a 69.8 completion percentage.

The Seahawks' supporting cast (Kenneth Walker, D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Noah Fant) is just as skilled as Minnesota’s, and they have a far better defense. After sitting for a year, Richardson could take over in 2024 with a 1,000-yard rusher, two 1,000-yard receivers and a perennial 50-catch tight end.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Unless Kyle Trask has an out-of-nowhere, Jalen Hurts-esque breakout season, or Baker Mayfield rediscovers his 2020 form, the Bucs will still be looking for a quarterback next year. While Trask and Mayfield will likely push one another, neither appears to be — at least right now — a long-term answer for Tampa Bay.

However, one year of either will likely get the team by until Richardson would be ready to take the reins of the offense in 2024. If Tampa can find a serviceable running back, Richardson would have an excellent supporting cast by the time he’s ready to take snaps. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are one of the better WR tandems in the NFL, and tight end Cade Otton had a strong rookie season.