Anthony Richardson drafted by Indianapolis Colts fourth overall
Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson was drafted fourth overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday night. Richardson is the first Gator to be selected in the top 10 since tight end Kyle Pitts and becomes the second-highest-drafted quarterback in Florida football history.
He’s the highest Florida quarterback to be selected since Steve Spurrier went third overall to the San Francisco 49ers in the 1967 NFL Draft.
The 20-year-old from Gainesville will earn approximately $36,874,031, including a $23,817,477 signing bonus.
“I think he’s a real loyal guy. He wants to do his job for the team. There’s a certain sense of responsibility that he feels to do his absolute best for his teammates. That is what impressed me. I do think, as a competitor, as a leader, playing quarterback at the University of Florida is a huge deal. There’s a lot that comes with that,” Billy Napier said of Richardson. “There’s a long list of strengths here. I think the guy is a natural thrower and the arm talent, there’s no throw this guy cannot make. You can draw up about anything you want to draw up. Although he is a unique athlete, I think the arm talent, the accuracy, the ability to throw all different types of throws in the pocket, on the move. At some point in his career, he’s going to have to make his living being a passer.”
Gators quarterbacks in the draft
| Year | Quarterback | Round | Overall Pick | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Bobby Lance | 28 | 332 | Green Bay Packers |
| 1967 | Steve Spurrier | 1 | 3 | San Francisco 49ers |
| 1972 | John Reaves | 1 | 14 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 1988 | Kerwin Bell | 7 | 180 | Miami Dolphins |
| 1997 | Danny Wuerffel | 4 | 99 | New Orleans Saints |
| 2001 | Jesse Palmer | 4 | 125 | New York Giants |
| 2003 | Rex Grossman | 1 | 22 | Chicago Bears |
| 2010 | Tim Tebow | 1 | 25 | Denver Broncos |
| 2021 | Kyle Trask | 2 | 64 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 2023 | Anthony Richardson | 1 | 4 | Indianapolis Colts |
More on Richardson
Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier spoke earlier this week about Richardson as a pro prospect. The Gainesville native started just 13 games in his career and was 6-7 as a starting quarterback.
“He had only played right around 200 plays prior to this past season and only started one game,” Napier pointed out. “First-year starter, new offensive system, new staff, not only for him but all the people around him.”
Part of the draft process is picking prospects apart. Florida’s 6-6 record with Richardson as the starting quarterback is a red flag because, for some reason, team records get assigned to quarterbacks. His 53.8% completion percentage is low. His nine interceptions are high. He also went to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis and shattered records for quarterbacks.
The NFL Draft is about projecting the future. That’s where teams get excited when they look at Richardson.
“This guy may be the most physically talented football player that I’ve ever been around. He showed that in Indianapolis. A generational talent,” Napier said on Sirius XM. “I think that the upside here, because of the character, the intelligence, and the physical traits, this guy just needs continuity, reps, and the sky is the limit.”
