(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
When you look at the stat sheet, the inclusion of Richardson on this list may be a head-scratcher. He’s had his share of struggles this season, throwing just five touchdown passes to seven interceptions, doing most of his damage as a runner.
That said, box-score scouting isn’t worth much come draft time, and Richardson has some otherworldly traits that will have NFL scouts standing on the table for him come April.
If his erratic play as a passer continues throughout the season, it would be a risky swing to take him No. 1 overall. That said, there’s something to be said for his glimpses of brilliance and rare skills. It’s easy to wonder if the play-calling at Florida isn’t ideal for someone who compares to an early Cam Newton, considering he’s carried the ball only six times in his last two games. Richardson’s rare athleticism, elite arm, and ability to make crucial plays on third down are something teams will covet come draft season.
Richardson won’t be the first polarizing quarterback prospect with boom-or-bust potential, as Justin Herbert and Josh Allen come to mind from recent years. Those passers quickly developed into superstars at the next level, and Richardson has the traits to be a similar success story in the right situation.
If teams want to hit on the next Allen, Newton, or Herbert, Richardson simply must be a part of that conversation at No. 1 overall.
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