Anthony Richardson: Risk Versus Reward For Titans

Anthony Richardson is the most boom or bust quarterback in the coming NFL Draft. His athleticism is off the charts, making his ceiling higher than most quarterbacks, but his floor is scary.

Doug Engle / USA TODAY NETWORK

NASHVILLE - Regarding Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson, there's no debate about his athleticism or the physical tools he possesses. However, when it comes to his prospects as an NFL player, that's where the discussions begin. 

Blessed with the size, 6'3", 244 lbs, speed (4.43 combine forty), and arm talent to sling it around and make every throw, he should be every team's dream. 

Unfortunately for Richardson, that's not the case because there's more to being an NFL quarterback than just the physical part.

Before I go further, let me be clear that I'm not saying Richardson can't learn the nuances of an NFL quarterback. Still, based on his college career, and game film, he sometimes struggled against defenses and delivering the ball with touch. 

Personally, the thing that sticks out most to me about Richardson's final season in Gainesville was the film he produced right here in Nashville when his Gators squad lost to Vanderbilt. There's no other way to describe it than Richardson was terrible that day, and his performance still lingers for those trying to decide whether to invest a first-round pick in him. 

I believe he will go in the first round. His physical talents alone will make some team take him, knowing that if they can unlock the rest of his potential, the sky's the limit for what he could be in this league.   

As for the Titans, and their recent history of first-round quarterbacks, evaluating Richardson is critical. 

Vince Young was the third overall selection in 2006 and came to the Titans with a ton of athletic ability. Likewise, with Jake Locker in 2011l and Marcus Mariota in 2015, all three had question marks about their games, and unfortunately for the Titans, none were their long-term answers at quarterback.   

Once again, this franchise needs a quarterback of the future and is in a position where they are unlikely to be able to select one of the top two signal-callers who are most NFL-ready. Instead, if they are to choose a quarterback in 2023, it will be another player labeled as "developmental."    

Such is the case for Richardson, Will Levis, and Hendon Hooker, the following three quarterbacks in line behind Bryce Young and CJ Stroud. 

For Richardson, and potentially the Titans should they find themselves in a position to select him, the potential, much like with Young, Locker, and Mariota, is there to become a winner in this league. 

At the same time, Richardson's potential to follow those former Titan quarterback's career paths is great.  

We don't know what the future holds for Richardson, and I'm far from willing to say he will be a bust because I'm rooting for him and all the rest of these young men to succeed.  

But when it comes to this draft and the Titans, the potential for the worst here is high and might be more than a team in the Titans current situation could be willing to risk against the potential for greatness here.  

Follow Greg on Twitter @GregAriasSports

 

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