(Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
It’s been a while since we last saw an NFL QB prospect as polarizing as Anthony Richardson.
The Florida standout has become the biggest talking point in the league this week, and for very good reasons.
His Pro Day performance was as remarkable as his record-setting day at the NFL Scouting Combine, so his doubters are running out of arguments against him.
As a matter of fact, NFL legend Steve Smith Sr. recently claimed that passing on him would be like passing on Amazon and Tesla, stating that he’s “an investment.”
Steve Smith says whoever takes Anthony Richardson should be in it for the long haul pic.twitter.com/veYtSs2OV6
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 31, 2023
That seems to be the common thought among those who actually believe in his potential, and several fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on this matter.
He’s Josh Allen with more melanin! Give him time and dope talent around him, he’s gonna be a beast!
— Reggie Watkins (@ReggieWatkinsJr) March 31, 2023
The kid need 2-3 yrs to sit behind a QB to develop! Nowhere near ready
— Van (@vanman_1000) March 31, 2023
They said the same about Malik Willis and I heared they may draft another QB. Patience is not like it used to be with development.
— Jovan Davis (@WyndzJ) March 31, 2023
Did they happen to watch him play at Florida?
— W. Nee (@WNee11) March 31, 2023
I’m sorry but am I the only one who thinks he’s overhyped? He looks like a bust to me
— (@wstgoat7) March 31, 2023
Finally a take I agree with on AR. Dude can be great in the NFL but I have a feeling he is going to take a couple of years to progress with his QB play. Hopefully he gets that chance and doesn’t get drafted and started first year and then ditched midway through the second
— Caswell (@PuntaKill_) March 31, 2023
The word “investment” fits perfectly, as no one seems to think he’s ready to take the field at the pro level, yet plenty of fans and scouts believe in his untapped potential.
Richardson’s numbers with the Gators were somewhat concerning, especially his turnovers and poor completion percentage.
But his strong frame at 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds, and his speed make him perhaps the most physically imposing and promising quarterback we’ve seen in a long time.
It all seems like he needs to land on a team that’s going to be patient with him and allow him to develop for a couple of years before throwing him into the fire.
But patience isn’t common in the National Football League, not even at the most crucial position in the game, so let’s just hope whoever gets him is willing to let him grow through his mistakes.
The post Fans React To What Steve Smith Said About Anthony Richardson appeared first on The Cold Wire.