Anthony Richardson, Bucs Quarterback Of The Future?
February 9th, 2023
“With the 19th pick… “
Apparently, the Bucs aren’t going to stop once they re-sign Blaine Gabbert and promote him to starter.
Earlier this week, Dan Graziano and Jenna Laine, among others at ESPN, put together a round table of sorts, or a mock NFL front office war room, to figure out how quarterback-needy teams will solve their problems behind center.
Per Graziano and Laine, after their bid to sign Raiders quarterback Derek Carr fails, the Bucs decide to settle on a guy familiar with the Bucs and the Tampa Bay area, and a guy that Bucs coach Todd Bowles likes. That would be Blaine Gabbert.
Per Laine, the Bucs aren’t stopping there. In fact, when the Bucs select at No. 19 in this spring’s draft, Laine believes the Bucs will draft Gators quarterback AR-15, Anthony Richardson.
Bucs coach Todd Bowles said, “You never want to rebuild; you’re always reloading.” But Tom Brady not returning, it certainly feels like a rebuild and will warrant some patience. Drafting Richardson and having Blaine Gabbert serve as a bridge makes sense. Richardson is still a raw prospect but won’t be asked to start right away. The interceptions are concerning (nine), but he has a big arm and plenty of mobility, and his ability to improvise when plays break down brings another dimension to the offense.
Joe sees Laine working here and it’s not a bad thought, though Joe wouldn’t go with AR-15. Joe was really high on AR-15 entering the 2022 season but he underwhelmed after he led the Gators to an upset win over Utah.
In Richardson’s final game of the season, his final college game playing on the road at Florida State, he was awful. Florida State had a pretty good defense, but still, it was no NFL-level defense, that’s for sure. AR-15 completed just 4 of his final 20 passes that night in a 45-38 FSU win, finishing with a 33 percent completion percentage.
If the Bucs draft a project quarterback, go with a guy who has proven he can excel in a vertical offense and a four-year starter, Hendon Hooker of Tennessee.
(Then again, with Bowles’ record developing high draft-pick quarterbacks, Christian Hackenberg and Sam Darnold, should the Bucs even consider drafting a quarterback?)
As NFL Films X’s and O’s guru Greg Cosell would say, if you aren’t drafting a quarterback first and foremost for his arm and his ability to complete passes, then you’re doing it wrong.
“It gets into the idea of QB traits…” pic.twitter.com/lldJDrn750
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) February 3, 2023
February 9th, 2023 at 4:08 am
Hendon Hooker pls then Stetson in 7th if still there.
February 9th, 2023 at 4:22 am
@bucco bruce:
Hooker is definitely an interesting qb. W his offense in college, od definitely like him in arians offense, as he’s a really good deep passer, and can certainly run when needed. His short to mid range accuracy could use some advancement, but he’s definitely exciting and a nice thought (though I don’t think he’s worth the #19 pick by any means). But, contrary to what most commenters on here think, we ultimately don’t know until it happens
February 9th, 2023 at 4:36 am
Hooker plus Jake Haener in the 5th of 6th.
February 9th, 2023 at 4:56 am
Richardson should’ve stayed in college. The Bucs don’t need a project at QB with the 19th pick. What the Bucs really need with their first pick is someone who can actually come in and replace one of our pending FA’s, or salary cap cuts, or replace aging players. We need someone to contribute right away. Trask had more success in college then Richardson. Don’t get the love for this kid. Truth is he should be taken after the 4th round.
February 9th, 2023 at 4:59 am
The thought of Bowles picking a QB in the 1st round terrifies me. No way Licht let’s that happen.
February 9th, 2023 at 5:04 am
Yeah I am not fond of any QB that would be left at 19. We probably grab a top cb or maybe some de falls to us there. We are in a weird drafting spot again. I would maybe trade up the second a bit and the grab Hooker barring he lasts.
No one is talking about the kid and its weird. Imo he is less of a project and more talented than AR15, he is better on film that Levis. Before he got hurt he was in the Heisman running as well as was leading Tennessee towards a possible playoff berth in the College Championship.
February 9th, 2023 at 5:12 am
Yes, AR15 should’ve ABSOLUTELY stayed in college, but people are telling him he’s a 1st rounder, so why wait and potentially hurt that stock and $$$$ (again, yes, I agree, I don’t see him as a 1st rounder at all lol). If hooker can sit and learn the NFL game, he’s definitely got a chance to be a steal, but, and I hate saying this, but let’s be honest, I have little faith in this organization’s ability to groom and grow a QB (not saying it can’t happen, but what suggests they’re capable of doing so?). When we got Brady, I told myself to enjoy the ride while it lasted before obscurity again, and here we are. At least we were competitive at the very least for the last couple of years
February 9th, 2023 at 5:24 am
Absolutely true, It really comes down the the OC and his staff that come in and the potential they eventually take over for Bowles next yr. I am just in the mindset that as tempting as it is I don’t wanna tank for anything especially since no one is ever 100% known value these days. Don’t get me wrong Caleb looks like he will be great but he is also a USC QB and I can’t think of one that has panned out in the NFL for a very long time.
February 9th, 2023 at 5:25 am
I am a Gator fan and Richardson beat Utah by running. Then the gators tried to make him win with the pass after defenders focus on stopping him from running he failed big time. He needs a lot of work I say pass and start Trask. At least he can complete passes just give him a chance. I do like Hooker and can see him as a good o good pick. Don’t know about the time frame for his injury.
February 9th, 2023 at 5:25 am
No thanks! Bust
February 9th, 2023 at 5:28 am
With Licht’s record of drafting QBs….Winston was a miss, Trask seems to be another whiff. Should have been drafting flyers in rds 5-7, you never know, maybe you stumble upon a guy like Purdy. Instead we went for return guys on special teams….literally the least impactful position of the three units.
February 9th, 2023 at 5:31 am
Hendon Hooker
February 9th, 2023 at 5:38 am
I like Hooker. Some team is going to get a steal drafting this guy in either day 2 or 3
February 9th, 2023 at 5:42 am
Absolutely not. Middle of the pack QB and inconsistent at best. Enough with the Gator QBs. They never pan out.
February 9th, 2023 at 5:48 am
First of all, it’s going to be a new offense. There’s no sense in thinking Gabbert or Trask should be the starter.
Second of all, if you were going to start one of these guys, the chances of winning games is highly unlikely. So, Jenna wants to take a developmental QB in the 1st, only to have a top 3 pick in 2024, where you’d get a much better QB. It makes no sense to me.
February 9th, 2023 at 6:03 am
Bucco Bruise Carson Palmer did pretty well as USC QB, Rodney Peete (showing my age with that one), that’s about it
February 9th, 2023 at 6:07 am
No
February 9th, 2023 at 6:15 am
IF the Glaziers allow Bowles to draft a QB we’re all in trouble. Considering the depth of the QB class coming out next year roll with Trask and start the tanking. The team is old and slow, combined with being in cap hell, what are we even talking about here. You’ve got a handful of foundational players in the trenches and the skill positions, time to tear the rest of it down.
February 9th, 2023 at 6:36 am
Draft WR Hyatt from Tennessee if he falls to 19 then draft hooker with second! That would be crazy
February 9th, 2023 at 6:36 am
These sportswriters and talk show hosts get these mediocre QBs like Richardson and Levis and build them up before the draft. Wil Levis was on a 7-6 Kentucky team. Please never even heard of the until the end of the year. These guys are at best 3rd rounders if that.
February 9th, 2023 at 6:55 am
If you don’t include IQ with arm strength and accuracy then YOU are doing it wrong!
February 9th, 2023 at 6:56 am
Another draft, another hyping of woke “athletic” busts.
February 9th, 2023 at 7:19 am
Reminds me too much of the Jameis style of play. That means he plays in streaks and has no consistency. That means that he doesn’t know how to sustain drives by taking what the defense gives him.
If you look at the records you will see that he is much less than what we already have, Kyle Trask.
At the end of the day it means, God, No.
February 9th, 2023 at 7:34 am
horrible idea… AR ultimate boom bust pick and he will BUST. Great athlete. Terrible QB. One of the least accurate supposedly elite qbs I have ever seen. The guy can’t hit the ocean standing in front of it
February 9th, 2023 at 7:35 am
As a gator fan, I would stay away from him. AR has made bad choices but can’t throw accurately. Yes, he is an incredible athlete but he can only run and when you have our WR you need to get them the ball. Again Trask is a better QB that AR, I would go with Hooker from UT then take AR.
February 9th, 2023 at 7:47 am
NOPE…
Watch the Pat MacAfee interview with the Tennessee QB Herndun
Impressive interview, I know nothing else about the kid other than he has his head together and will be available when the Clucks pick
That and his game fits the NFL game today
February 9th, 2023 at 7:54 am
No thank you. Athleticism is fine, but ability to read a defense both pre and post snap is just as important. Some people are way too hung up on that. Mahomes is a rare combination of both.
Historically, the most successful QB’s are the ones who had it ‘between the ears’.
The Bucs wasted five years on a dumbass under center. Why go there again?
February 9th, 2023 at 8:00 am
Richardson is 2023’s Logan Thomas
February 9th, 2023 at 8:06 am
Our first and second round picks need to replace LVD & Dean…..I believe neither will be signed…..if you want a 3rd, or 5th round QB….fine….but I don’t think we need one (we don’t have a 4th round pick)
My first 3 picks (in no particular order) are LB, CB, TE.
February 9th, 2023 at 8:09 am
Even Gators don’t want Richardson. His tape is AWFUL.
February 9th, 2023 at 8:16 am
That would be stupid so they may do it.
February 9th, 2023 at 8:23 am
No one has an issue with holler being 25 already? He’ll be 27 when he actually starts. Kinda old already.
February 9th, 2023 at 8:23 am
God help us if we get this guy, he’s the most inaccurate qb in the draft!
February 9th, 2023 at 8:30 am
PLZ GOD NO
February 9th, 2023 at 8:39 am
No one is that stupid, I hope. Richardson is horrible. You’re better off with Jameis, which isn’t saying much. I think keeping Blaine Gabbert is a bad idea. I’d rather have Chris Simms at his age. Is Jeff Garcia unavailable? 😂 I miss Carmen. So hot.
February 9th, 2023 at 8:41 am
Alex I’ll take “who is Jamarcus Russell, Jameis Winston, Trent Dilfer wrapped up in one player who has started less than 22 games in college” for $500.
February 9th, 2023 at 8:42 am
He’ll be the player that drops this draft.
The guy didn’t pass the intelligence test by declaring for the draft and thinking he was ready to play in the NFL
Great physical talent with a 10 cent brain
February 9th, 2023 at 8:48 am
Understandable.
February 9th, 2023 at 8:51 am
So if this were to happen at pick #19, it would just mean after 3+ years of “trasking” Licht just wants to be sure we keep that Florida Gator QB feeling alive by AR15ing it?
No thanks. This is the only AR15 I am in favor of banning.
February 9th, 2023 at 9:07 am
No thanks.
He could barely beat a horrible USF team. Go back and watch that game film of Richarson and tell me he is ready to face an NFL defense…
February 9th, 2023 at 9:09 am
Hooker with a 2nd or 3rd round pick and Stetson Bennett with a 5th round pick if he is still available.
February 9th, 2023 at 9:17 am
I don’t think the Bucs should draft a QB. They should invest in the trenches on both sides of the ball and roll with Trask or Jimmy G. In 2024 they can draft a QB if needed.
February 9th, 2023 at 9:23 am
Richardson = Jameis Winston II
Hell to the NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 9th, 2023 at 9:39 am
Against Kentucky AR could not throw very well to his right side.
I don’t think they fixed this.
He needs to stay in college but I guess the financial opportunity was too much to pass on
February 9th, 2023 at 9:39 am
Drafting Richardson would reek of desperation. It would be better for the Bucs to beef up the offensive and defensive lines with our top picks. Outside of Richardson’s physical attributes, what would convince a coach that he has potential? The tape don’t lie. The dude was a dud in college. Draft him in the fifth round, but no sooner.
February 9th, 2023 at 9:54 am
NO!
February 9th, 2023 at 9:55 am
My favorite obtainable QB in this draft is Hooker from Tennessee. I sure HOPE the Bucs do not trade up with the cardinals this year. That move will cost us BOTH this and next years number one picks plus a bunch of second rounders as well.
The idea is to draft the Kentucky QB
February 9th, 2023 at 10:14 am
Craig Says: “If you look at the records you will see that Richardson is much less than what we already have, Kyle Trask.”
Absolutely. But, you see, Joe saw Trask have some bad practices last summer playing with guys who are now driving for Uber Eats. So that means Trask is out baby! Joe said so! You know, like Jalen Hurts sucked royally his rookie season and struggled again in training camp before his second season – the Eagles should have dumped him according to Joe!
February 9th, 2023 at 10:49 am
Please no! I’d rather suffer with Baker Mayfield
February 9th, 2023 at 10:55 am
His completion % is horrible too so might as well stick with trask if they’re gonna draft him. For some reason josh freeman comes to mind
February 9th, 2023 at 11:13 am
Richardson is not good.
February 9th, 2023 at 11:14 am
AR15 needs a lot of work.
QB’s who are slow to read coverages and suffer with bad accuracy have a very short time in the NFL
February 9th, 2023 at 11:16 am
Stop with the madness …there is only one pick to make and that is Draft (SS396) Sheduer Sanders !!
February 9th, 2023 at 12:12 pm
Hard HARD Pass on high draft qb!
Bucs get stuck 5 years with bums at qb…
More so now with Bowles as HC and towel boy at OC…
February 9th, 2023 at 12:16 pm
No to Richardson he has a difficult time hitting the floor with his hat. Hooker looked good before his ACL injury, but who is to say how well he will be coming back from that injury to his left leg, without any limitations in June as he has stated. I agree we need an impact player at a position of need, OL DL LB CB RB WR TE QB. We have plenty of holes to fill with players who can play not projects. Sanders needs to show us what he can do against better competition before he is even a consideration of mine.
Go!!!!! Bucs!!!!!
I can’t wait for spring training to start.
February 9th, 2023 at 1:05 pm
‘m a Gator and no way. Dude is trash
February 9th, 2023 at 1:10 pm
@surferbuc – Woke? Joe, please remove the hoodies from here
The only thing he could possibly mean by that is he is black.
I am tired of the racial crap on here.
Either do something about it or at least own it by saying you agree with these posters.
SMDH
February 9th, 2023 at 1:12 pm
This garbage is unacceptable in 2023
Joe, maybe you can do something…please…
surferbuc Says:
February 9th, 2023 at 6:56 am
Another draft, another hyping of woke “athletic” busts.
February 9th, 2023 at 1:21 pm
Hendon Hooker!!!
February 9th, 2023 at 1:27 pm
Hendon Hooker would be a great selection in the 3rd. Plus, think of all the great Hooker in Tampa memes.
February 9th, 2023 at 1:54 pm
Absolutely not.
February 9th, 2023 at 1:54 pm
Has anyone watched Richardson play? He is not consistent and makes tons of Jameis type mistakes. The guy is athletic but he is not a QB and can never be a starter in the nfl. Makes Jameis look like an all pro. No thanks horrible waste of a pick.
February 9th, 2023 at 3:33 pm
A great athlete but a terrible QB. AR15 should not be on the board before the 5th round.
February 9th, 2023 at 6:11 pm
OL, DL, LB are priorities. Get Jimmy G if you can, I just read his release is the quickest in the NFL and his average passing yards per catch is 8.3 yards, third best in the NFC. Plus there is his Belichick and Shanahan pedigree.
When healthy he is a winner. Prove it contract with heavy incentives for starting 14-15 games minimum.
He fits in with the Tampa offense more than Mayfield does.
February 9th, 2023 at 8:54 pm
Never ever draft a UF QB. Always a mistake. Richardson is a joke. As a Gator fan, it’s just embarrassing to watch him play. If the Bucs draft him in the first round, it will be the biggest blunder.
February 10th, 2023 at 1:47 pm
Blaine Gabbert is ok, but I hope the Bucs are smarter than drafting Richardson.