NFL Draft: Commanders 'Best Fit' for Florida QB Anthony Richardson

The Washington Commanders are preparing for a quarterback battle between Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett this offseason. Would Florida Gators NFL Draft prospect Anthony Richardson make sense to join the competition?

The Washington Commanders aren't so much at a crossroads in their quarterback room as much as they are at a four-way intersection. 

Looking at the future of the Commanders' most important position on the field, they could literally go anywhere and it would make sense. 

Including drafting a quarterback like Florida Gators prospect Anthony Richardson later this month. 

And if that were to happen, says 33rd Team, it would be the best possible outcome for the player. 

"Regarding Richardson's best fit, not his draft position, I'm looking outside the top 10," says 33rd Team. "Richardson didn't perform like an all-conference quarterback, let alone a top-10 draft pick. That's where the Cam Newton comparisons don't align and lack regard for how good Newton was...Starting Richardson this fall is not a good idea. Ideally, he'd go to a place where a veteran is ready to handle the job for a season or two before handing it off."

With Brissett in the quarterback room, Richardson would have a veteran who has experience with multiple systems and has proven to have staying power in the NFL. 

Both are things that could help provide valuable lessons for any rookie quarterback, but especially one who needs some time under the grow light before stepping onto the field. 

For Washington, coupling Richardson with Howell gives them two chances at hitting on a young quarterback. 

Considering the Commanders used just a fifth-round pick on Howell in last year's NFL Draft, 33rd Team doesn't consider his presence in the room prohibitive to potentially making a move like this one. 

But there's a precedence for making this move says the site, one that Washington now has inside knowledge of. 

"The other thing to like about a Richardson-Commanders fit has to do with their offensive coordinator," 33rd Team says. "Eric Bienemy spent the last 10 seasons with Andy Reid...His proximity to and responsibility for Patrick Mahomes' development has to matter a ton here. The ways Reid and Bieniemy tapped into Patrick Mahomes' unique talents, the creative game plans and the keen play-calling they used, Bieniemy was right there for all of it."

Bieniemy is presumably in Washington just long enough to shake off the doubts swirling about his lack of game-to-game control over Chiefs play-calling during his tenure and two Super Bowl wins in three tries as the offensive coordinator. 

It would make sense that giving him a quarterback who has similar traits to the quarterback he's already had so much success with could accelerate the arrival of that end result. 

For Richardson, landing with a coach who has a proven ability to get the best out of a young man with his skill set would be ideal. 

And that makes the Commanders his best shot at finding success in the NFL.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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