Should Florida QB Anthony Richardson Be Top On Texans' Draft Board?

After an impressive NFL Scouting Combine, Anthony Richardson draft stock has risen. But has Richardson done enough to draw draft interest from the Houston Texans?

HOUSTON — C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young are the top two quarterback prospects for the Houston Texans entering the draft. But since the end of the 2023 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Florida's quarterback Anthony Richardson's draft stock has risen.

Richardson had a solid outing showcasing his talents during the throwing session on Saturday. But at 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds, he stole the show after running the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds, 40.5 inches in the vertical jump and 10 feet, 9 inches in the broad jump — setting an NFL combine record for a quarterback.

Five quarterback-needy teams are selecting in the top 10 of the 2023 NFL Draft, and Richardson has solidified himself as a prominent prospect. But has Richardson done enough to alter Houston's draft plans in its pursuit of a new franchise quarterback? 

"I want to bring anything and everything they need. I’m going to work hard. I’m dedicated to my craft. I’m just going to be a leader in that organization to just grow and continue to grow.”

Richardson is entering the draft as a prospect who embodies the dual-threat quarterback of the modern day. Richardson has been compared to former league MVPs Lamar Jackson and Cam Newton.

He finished the 2022 college season throwing for 2,549 passing yards and 17 touchdowns for the Florida Gators last season. He also rushed for 654 yards and nine touchdowns.

The only knock against Richardson is the fact that he has one season under his belt as a full-time starter. In comparison to his contemporaries, Stroud and Young, who has had at least two seasons starting for their respective teams.

The Texans met with Richardson on Friday. And according to the soon-to-be rookie quarterback, his meeting with Houston was "informative."

Houston will likely stick to the plan of selecting Stroud or Young with their No. 2 pick. But if the Texans change course, perhaps coach DeMeco Ryans felt Richardson met the criterial for Houston's ideal quarterback.

"When you’re evaluating quarterbacks, different quarterbacks can do a lot of different things," Ryans said. "I think the system is built around the quarterback as opposed to trying to fit a quarterback into a certain system. 

"It’s all about the player that you have, not only a quarterback but a receiver. It’s about just making sure that a player has the right tools and you’re putting him in a spot where he can thrive."

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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