It has long been expected that Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud would be the first two quarterbacks off the board during April’s NFL draft. From there, Will Levis and Anthony Richardson were still considered possible selections in the first round. Considering the Vikings don’t pick until the 23rd spot, it would be the second pair they would potentially have a shot at.
The combine might have changed that.
Did Anthony Richardson Get Too Good for the Vikings?
There hasn’t been much talk about Minnesota being intrigued by Levis, and that probably won’t change after it was revealed that the Kentucky quarterback is inexplicably afraid of milk. Where there has been chatter, however, is regarding Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson. A mobile option, he presents the Vikings with something they haven’t had since the days of Daunte Culpepper.
Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) has word with Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier in the first half. Florida hosted the South Carolina Gamecocks in the last home game of the season at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida, on Saturday, November 12, 2022. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun] Ncaa Football Florida Gators Vs South Carolina Gamecocks
When heading to Indianapolis for the NFL Combine, not only was Richardson among the few top quarterbacks on display, but he blew away the field. After setting an NFL record for the broad jump, he then smashed the quarterback vertical jump record when he leaped 40.5 inches off the ground.
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The knocks on Richardson have largely focused on decision-making and accuracy. His throws can sometimes be considered questionable as he scrambles behind the line. While a level of refinement may be needed, it also appears that some of those concerns could be overstated.
Should the Vikings want to make a move for a guy like Richardson, they could allow Cousins to play out his final season and then make the move. The Florida product would have an opportunity to learn behind an established veteran, and the Vikings would know they’ll have salary cap flexibility in 2024 with a starting quarterback on a rookie deal.
That is certainly all fine and well in theory, but any hopes that Richardson may fall to the Vikings in the draft probably got dashed in Indianapolis. Minnesota was close to seeing Justin Fields enter their territory a few seasons ago, but it didn’t come to fruition, and now acquiring Richardson would likely cost substantially to move up.
Sep 3, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) throws the ball against the Utah Utes during the second half at Steve Spurrier-Florida Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Maybe Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell believe he’s their guy, at which point there probably isn’t a cost they won’t explore. If that’s not the case, though, well then, Richardson is just another talent that they’ll watch from afar.