Mel Kiper Jr., Todd McShay debate Anthony Richardson vs. Will Levis
When it comes to the third-best quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft, ESPN experts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay have differing opinions. While McShay believes it is Florida product Anthony Richardson, Kiper is high on Kentucky signal caller Will Levis.
Richardson dazzled at the NFL Combine this past week, clocking a time of 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash and setting records for a quarterback in the vertical jump (40.5 inches) and broad jump (10 feet, nine inches). That led McShay to predict the Las Vegas Raiders to trade up to select the Gators star with the No. 4 pick in his latest mock draft.
“This is gonna drive Kiper crazy,” McShay said on a Tuesday SportsCenter appearance. “I’m taking Anthony Richardson over his boy Will Levis. I’m doing it simply because of the upside and the potential to develop. Josh McDaniels, he drafted Tim Tebow and it didn’t work out. But he wants a quarterback that has a little bit more mobility. You’re talking 6-foot-4, 244 pounds. Runs a 4.43 in the 40. Has a rifle for an arm. There’s so much to work with here.
“I’ve talked to some general managers and they’re all kind of saying the same thing. He’s the kind of guy that could get you fired if you draft him in the top 10, but you can’t sleep at night knowing that you passed on a guy that could be one of the special, elite quarterbacks in the league if he’s developed properly.”
But while Richardson has clear athletic ability, there are questions about his NFL readiness. Firstly, his college sample size is small, as he played just one full season as Florida’s starter. He was inconsistent during that time, with a couple of massive performances in between duds. He also had a completion percentage of just 53.8%, ranking him 12th in the SEC.
That is a major concern for Kiper, who explained he sees Levis as the safer pick. That’s why he has him going No. 5 overall ahead of Richardson in his mock draft.
“It can happen,” Kiper said of McShay’s prediction on Richardson. “I’m with Todd on that. I’m not going to put him ahead of Will Levis, though, on a ratings board. I don’t know if Todd will or he won’t. But this is a mock draft and I have no issue with Anthony Richardson going this high. We saw special, special talent in that Utah game. We didn’t see it consistently throughout the season. That’s what bothers me when you look at mechanics, throwing the football, accuracy.
“…But Will Levis, you talked about mobility, Todd. Will Levis can move as well. It’s not just Anthony Richardson who can move the chains and beat you with his legs and Will Levis can be a better overall passer right now. But as a mock draft, I have no issue with Anthony Richardson this high.”
Richardson threw for 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions this past season in addition to 654 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. Levis, on the other hand, had 2,406 yards, 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 376 yards and nine scores in the 2021 season.
Simply put, it seems Richardson has the higher ceiling while Levis has the safer floor. With that being the case, it will come down to what kind of risk NFL teams in need of a QB are willing to take with their draft picks.