Which former NFL draft bust does Anthony Richardson resemble most?
Heading into the 2023 NFL draft, former Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson is experiencing a level of hype rarely seen from a collegiate player who not only missed out on the Heisman Trophy but also played for a losing team the past two seasons. Still, the departing redshirt sophomore is expected to be selected among the first picks on April 27, when the draft kicks off in Kansas City, Missouri.
There is no shortage of suitors for the Gainesville native, especially after the show he put on at the 2023 NFL scouting combine in which his athleticism left the other participants in the dust. Sure, Richardson leaves a lot to be desired in some of the finer aspects of the game, but physically, he projects to be a beast in the pro ranks.
However, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL — a reality every player faces at some point in their careers. Some of the most brilliant collegiate players will fail to find their footing under the big lights and there is some precedence when it comes to highly-hyped athletes who are taken at the top of the draft but cannot quite cut it.
With that in mind, CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso put together a comparison of the consensus top picks in April’s draft to former infamous draft busts, in which he pairs Richardson with former national champion Vince Young. Take a look at how the two match up.
Bust comparison: Vince Young
Pick and year: No. 3 overall, 2006 draft (Titans)
College: TexasCertainly not as large and sculpted as Richardson, Young was probably a more feared runner when entering the NFL after his illustrious, national-title winning career at Texas. He had back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons and scored 37 touchdowns on the ground with the Longhorns. Preposterous numbers.
Young doesn’t have Richardson’s arm talent either. Like Richardson, though, it was the needed development as a passer that gave many pause about Young’s ability to mature into a franchise quarterback in the NFL and ultimately played a key on-field role to his downfall at the professional level. There were likely other, external, off-field factors that led to Young bouncing around the league before early retirement. He never became a rhythmic, reliable passer. Had he, the 2006 Rookie of the Year likely would’ve had a long career as the leader of the Titans organization.
The 2023 edition of the NFL draft will be held in Kansas City, Missouri, from April 27-29 and can be followed on ABC, ESPN and the NFL Network.
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