No matter the preferences, we should learn more about the position’s future before the new league year begins on March 15. The Vikings must extend Cousins’ deal to free up some cap space. Alternatively, if they didn’t want an extension, they might have to release some veterans. Both options are possible at this point.
Vikings Identified as Potential Landing Spot for Anthony Richardson
Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) warms up before the game against the Eastern Washington Eagles at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL, on Sunday, October 2, 2022. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun. USA TODAY NETWORK.
No matter the situation of the Vikings’ passer, Anthony Richardson is an exciting prospect in the draft and has been rising draft boards of many media personalities lately. The Florida Gators quarterback has incredible athleticism but is viewed as a player with room to grow.
Lance Zierlein, a draft analyst from NFL.com, named eight potential landing spots for the QB, and the Vikings were one of the teams. He also ranked the teams for their likelihood of landing the prospect. With 25%, the most likely team to get him is the Panthers, according to Zierlein, followed by the Lions, Raiders, and Commanders with 15% each.
All draft higher than the Vikings, and at least two have glaring holes at the position. Similar to the situation in Minnesota, Jared Goff played well for the Lions last season, but it can be questioned if he is the long-term solution.
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
Both the Seahawks and the Buccaneers come next. Zierlein gave them each a 10% chance. The final group of teams is named “long shots,” and the teams have a 5% chance to select the toolsy QB, including the Colts and the Vikings.
I think this would be a sneaky-interesting landing spot for Richardson — if he were to make it all the way to No. 23, which seems like a long shot in itself. Kirk Cousins would clearly be the starter in 2023, which would allow Richardson a chance to take mental reps for an entire season before potentially taking the reins in 2024 with some talented pieces around him.
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Richardson would be a wonderful fit in Minnesota because the timing would align perfectly for his development, as he could sit behind the veteran for a season. He is a raw star and needs time to grow. Focusing on that without stepping on the field can be a key to his growth. Zierlein named the question marks surrounding Richardson in the draft cycle.
The Florida product is inarguably the most physically gifted quarterback in the 2023 draft. Turning 22 in May, Richardson could have the highest ceiling of any prospect in this class. On the other hand, his footwork and mechanics got sloppier as last season went on, his decision-making is just average and he might have an accuracy issue that’s hard to correct.
Richardson hasn’t shown NFL-caliber passing ability in his time in college, especially from a consistency standpoint. The interesting and exciting thing about him is that he has a couple of outstanding throws in every game, which only a handful of NFL passers can make.
Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) dives into the end zone for a touchdown in the second half against LSU at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL, on Saturday, October 15, 2022. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun] Ncaa Football Florida Gators Vs Lsu Tigers
He is also one of the best athletes in the draft, regardless of the position, and the ability to create a positive play out of a broken one is his best selling point. That is something he is doing a whole lot better than Cousins, but acquiring some Cousins-like consistency in the passing game needs to be his top priority.
It’s still relatively early in the draft process, and draft positions are hard to predict in early March. Richardson is a riser and could end up hearing his name called within the first picks of the event on draft day, April 27. The Vikings have to package some future picks with their 23rd overall selection to bring him to Minnesota.
A move for Richardson is risky but could pay huge dividends if he works out. It has been reported that the Vikings met with the draft prospect.