NFL.com Slaps A Percentage On Bucs Selecting Anthony Richardson
March 6th, 2023
Gators QB Anthony Richardson.
Funny, after-midnight story from Indianapolis earlier this week.
Joe was coming from a watering hole full of NFL celebrities (including Sean Payton, Kyle Shanahan, Jack Del Rio, Peter Schrager and prickly Pete Prisco, among many others) and Joe’s Uber driver asked if Joe was in town for the combine.
Joe was asked if he was a scout. Nope. Coach? Nah. Agent? No! What then? Media.
Then the Uber driver said, “Please don’t tell me the Colts are going to draft Anthony Richardson at No. 4!”
Well, when Jim Irsay is your owner, all bets are off. But Joe shared the Uber driver’s take on AR-15: no way should he be a first-round pick much less a top-10 pick.
Richardson, the Gators quarterback, is a physical specimen entering the draft. Rare. He has it all, size, speed, gun for an arm, you name it. But he lacks one major element in Joe’s eyes: accuracy.
Still, a guy that works for the same outfit televising the glorified indoor track practice over the weekend has to hype the BS programming. So longtime NFL.com draft/film guru Lance Zierlein was shoveling the (coal) into the stove as the AR-15 hype machine was damn near a runaway train this past weekend.
In fact, Zierlein claims AR-15 opened the eyes of Bucs types so wide, there is a “possible” chance the Bucs draft AR-15, nevermind all the Kyle Trask chatter last week. Zierlein puts the Bucs selecting AR-15 at a 10 percent chance.
… While Tampa Bay should certainly be a team mentioned as a potential fit for Richardson, I’m not sure he will last all the way to the Bucs’ draft slot, which is why I have them in this category. They could trade up, but they might just sit tight, rebuild and wait until next year to draft a quarterback, if need be.
Joe has seen and heard folks try to compare AR-15 to Josh Allen. The Bills quarterback somehow found accuracy in the NFL, which is rare.
So the Bucs would have to hope — there’s that ugly four-letter word again — lightning strikes a second time and AR-15 improves his accuracy as a professional.
Joe was on the AR-15 bandwagon before the 2022 season and was fully stoked by how he beat Utah to open the season. Then the guy fell apart.
It’s hard for Joe to get how a guy who could only complete four passes — four! — in the second half of a one-score loss to Florida State is somehow worthy of a mid-first-round pick.
(AR-15 ended the FSU game completing 4 of his final 20 passes.)
Third round? Joe would be all over him, but not before Hendon Hooker of Tennessee. No way.
March 6th, 2023 at 7:34 am
The only way the Bucs get one of the tops QBs is to somehow get into the top 10. The only guy worth moving high in the draft for is probably Stroud.
March 6th, 2023 at 7:35 am
Nice click bait titles on AR-15.
Of course he won’t be there……and your pumping up dumb Bucs Fans thinking they have a chance at drafting this guy for the Bucs.
Cmon Joe….I know there’s no NFL football on TV but all this hype over nothing is even lower than your constant articles for Jameis Winston when he was here.
March 6th, 2023 at 7:43 am
Richardson’s college production numbers are not remotely as good as Jameis Winston’s, or Kyle Trask’s, nor near as good as Lamar Jackson or he’s just not the kind of quarterback who is successful in the NFL. He’s comparable in college production to Josh Allen. But that’s a pretty thin reed to base a first round draft pick on. Allen didn’t produce NFL-quality passing numbers until his third season. But Buffalo still took him high in the first round and it worked out for them eventually.
Does some quarterback desperate team take him in the top half of the first round? Quite possibly, given all the hype and sense of desperation.
But I don’t really get the sense that the Bucs are desperate. They had a plan for the Brady years, and clearly understood the cost and what would result when Brady inevitably retired. And now they’re following that plan.
March 6th, 2023 at 7:44 am
He’s the ultimate lottery ticket. Highest ceiling in the draft, and maybe the lowest floor too. If you (or anyone) can’t wrap your head around it, then what have you been watching in the NFL for the last 2 decades?
March 6th, 2023 at 7:47 am
Jose, what do you think of DTR from UCLA for late second day /early third day spot? Sounds intriguing.
March 6th, 2023 at 7:50 am
I heard the Josh Allen comparison hype yesterday too, and to be honest it’s a mildly compelling argument that was made. With Allen, I was shocked the bills took him that high. And after his rookie year my shock seemed justified. But then inexplicably he improved. A lot. And now is in the upper echelon of QB’s. I don’t think they use the wonderlic anymore, but I remember being surprised to see how high Josh Allen scored on it. Meaning he’s fairly intelligent. You can knock the test all you want, but if you score high on it it’s generally fairly accurate. Anyways, have no idea how intelligent Richardson is or if that was the difference maker in Allen being able to adjust his game in the pros. But tool wise, there is no doubt that Richardson is a rare specimen. I don’t think he lasts until our pick, and if he did I don’t think I would choose him. Too many questions at this point.
March 6th, 2023 at 7:57 am
His hero Cam Newton, I don’t believe he ever found accuracy either, which came into play after he couldn’t run much anymore
March 6th, 2023 at 8:03 am
Accuracy issues
Praying that he is not an option
March 6th, 2023 at 8:05 am
You never know. Now the Bucs have an offensive coordinator known to have developed qbs. If the bucs do get AR15, he would have two qbs to develop. One of the two may work out eventually.
March 6th, 2023 at 8:12 am
Nah, let’s go with Trask. We don’t expect anything out of the team this year. So Trask will either meet or exceed our expectations. I’m quite sure AR-15 would not meet our expectations.
March 6th, 2023 at 8:13 am
Ok,
Before Anyone knew about Josh Allen, I watched tape on him even before all the hype train EXPLODED on him.
Josh Allen issues were: “Small. no name college, weak conference and weak competition, accuracy issues.” Josh Allen’s skillet thowing the ball was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before because of HOW he threw the ball…..which was so intriguing.
AR-15……there’s nothing that I see different front strong mobile throwers in the past……..nothing.
In many ways, he’s worse than Baker Mayfield inregards to upside. He just looks like another overhyped QB in a VERY POOR draft class for QBs in this year’s NFL Draft.
March 6th, 2023 at 8:19 am
These sports announcers and writers build these players up every year because if there was no media hype they would be 5th round picks at best. David Jeremiah says this is the best quarterback class ever
I am sorry I just don’t see it. Outside of CJ Stroud the rest of the class looks mediocre at best. Byron Young looks like a poor mans Kyler Murray. Wil Levis looks like a more mobile Jacob Eason. A Richardson is all hype Hooker is ok just the injury is in question his age is relative I mean we just had a 44 year old Quarterback.
March 6th, 2023 at 8:38 am
PLZ GOD NO
March 6th, 2023 at 8:41 am
A less accurate Justin Fields? A guy a few hits away from early retirement.
March 6th, 2023 at 8:44 am
David Jeremiah said saturday that this is the best quarterback class ever I just don’t see it outside of CJ Stroud and Herndon Hooker. I mean Bryce Young a poor mans Kyler Murray and Wil Levis a more mobile Jacob Eason please Jeremiah he he gets paid for this. As far as Richardson goes hes just a combine specialist a very long project should not go higher than the 3rd or 4th round.
March 6th, 2023 at 8:47 am
@Mark2001
A more athletic EJ Manuel
March 6th, 2023 at 8:47 am
Joe, AR15 is not without accuracy as he proved in the Utah game and other instances throughout the season. He is without consistency which a good an coach can fix
March 6th, 2023 at 8:49 am
I predict Zierlein has a 1/32 chance of being correct. Next time just give us the Uber driver’s prediction, Joe.
March 6th, 2023 at 8:53 am
Bet he slides…into 3rd round.
March 6th, 2023 at 8:55 am
We need to draft for the lines. I mean…I have no idea what the options are though. I n9 longer have time to do the research. But…I would think left tackle if we release Smith.
March 6th, 2023 at 8:57 am
I feel he is also like Jalen hurts as well as AllenAllen. Hurts also got better with accuracy. At least my eye test saw that . I don’t care what people say , if the guy has all the tools and is a specimen, that is something you can work with & what a good coordinator turns to elite with designing plays to make him make you say wow ! Good thing Mr. Leftnutt is gone heh ?
March 6th, 2023 at 9:00 am
@ Buccaneer Bonzai
I couldn’t Agree more….Bucs Priorities should goes
#1 Offensive Line
#2 Defensive Line
#3 Cornerback
………pickup a reasonably price free agent for LBs and WRs.
…..and if there’s someway the Bucs can get lucky and find a verteran QB as a placeholder until the Draft in 2024…….that would be SOLID.
March 6th, 2023 at 9:04 am
whats up with ar-15 nickname.
I’m not anti-gun…….but dang that is horrible. given the school shooting and all.
I would think he would come out publicly and say stop with ar-15 name!
March 6th, 2023 at 9:09 am
Not with a 10’ pole
He has already made a bad decision by not playing another year in college to work on his skills.
Accuracy is everything in the closet sized NFL playing field.
March 6th, 2023 at 9:20 am
As a long time Gator Fan, I would much rather see Trask than AR. Yes AR a much better athlete. Yes he can run much faster and move around better. But Trask by far was the better QB of the 2 and its not even close. Anyone who takes AR before round 3 is a moron.
March 6th, 2023 at 9:23 am
@ Couch Fan
Oh….this will happen for sure, because this is not a good draft class this year….it’s actually a bit poor honestly.
Some team will take a chance on him late 1st rd/early 2nd rd for sure.
He’s not gonna fall like Dak Prescott did.
March 6th, 2023 at 9:29 am
Cut the crap, we don’t need another project that will take several years to blossom!
March 6th, 2023 at 9:30 am
He won’t be available at 19. Someone is going to pounce on him before that. He’s not even close to being a Pat Mahomes. Bucs doge a bullet and snag that DB or Edge rusher they so desperately need.
March 6th, 2023 at 10:00 am
Mmmmmm, well, feels like a LOT of hype for what was an “OK” college QB. I’m not buying it.
March 6th, 2023 at 10:13 am
Here we go. The dreaded hype machine Joe talked about has been fully joined. I guess this is going to be the new fixation. Johnny Football, Jay-Miss, and now AR-15.
Speculative nonsense industrial complex.
March 6th, 2023 at 10:32 am
This guy is a 100% gamble.
He has great athletic ability and all the tangibles.
However, as we all saw last year with the Gators and at the combine he just can’t consistently hit what he throws at .
Might turn into a superstar or may be a total bust.
At this point the Bucs can’t afford to gamble
March 6th, 2023 at 11:12 am
He looks too much like a rerun of the lost decade. The Bucs should have learned a few QBs ago that physical specimens in college don’t look so good in the NFL.
Bucs have too many other holes to waste a pick on him. Stetson Bennett in 5 (even with a public drunk charge) would be a better bet.
March 6th, 2023 at 11:25 am
I think we go to camp with Trask, Wentz Or Mayfield, and someone like Jaren Hall (a 5th rd pick), and there’s an open competition.
March 6th, 2023 at 11:33 am
Looking at Richardson’s Combine results, If the Bucs can get him to move to Tight End they might get a steal…
March 6th, 2023 at 11:35 am
Bowles prolly wants AR.
March 6th, 2023 at 11:42 am
Bust !
March 6th, 2023 at 12:05 pm
Damn Joe, you’re really trying hard to bludgeon everyone over the head with this AR-15 nickname. Reminds me of the awful “America’s QB” nonsense. 10x earlier, and 9x in this one.
Chill out bro, stop forcing it.
March 6th, 2023 at 12:16 pm
2 unproven gator QBs on the roster?
If it happens someone at one buc palace needs to be investigated.
March 6th, 2023 at 12:34 pm
Hooker over Richardson all day everyday!
March 6th, 2023 at 1:27 pm
Hard pass. Name a Chip Kelly offensive player who has done anything in the NFL. If you mention Marcus Mariota, you are proving Joe’s point. 🙂
If the Bucs draft a quarterback in the second round, let it be Hendon Hooker.
March 6th, 2023 at 1:32 pm
Richardson would be a big mistake and he certainly is not Josh Allen. Doesn’t have the accuracy and makes mistakes. No thanks. Hope the Bucs don’t draft another project that won’t work out.
March 6th, 2023 at 4:22 pm
SI just released a mock draft where he’s selected #1.
Bucs fans don’t need to worry about this guy, one way or another, he isn’t going to be there.
March 6th, 2023 at 4:25 pm
EA Says:
March 6th, 2023 at 12:16 pm
2 unproven gator QBs on the roster?
If it happens someone at one buc palace needs to be investigated.
————-
The Bucs love taking Gators, even thought 90% of them are busts. Home town bias I guess, although if that was the case, the basis should be towards USF, and at least those over picks would be like 6th and 7th rounders.
March 6th, 2023 at 4:27 pm
robert Says:
March 6th, 2023 at 9:04 am
whats up with ar-15 nickname.
I’m not anti-gun…….but dang that is horrible. given the school shooting and all.
I would think he would come out publicly and say stop with ar-15 name!
——
Triggered.
Oh wait, that’s a gun reference! I must be banned!
LOL!
What a woke cupcake.
March 6th, 2023 at 10:26 pm
Just say no to AR unless it is after the third round. This guy is an Athletic QB who has shown a serious difficulty in hitting the floor with his hat on a regular basis. After the third or fourth rounds sign this guy. I would rather have any one of several other Accurate QB’S who are athletic, in the later rounds..if someone else doesn’t want them more…
OL, DL, LB, CB, TE, RB, S, QB. We do have a few holes to fill
March 7th, 2023 at 12:35 am
He’s simply not a good QB. Crazy athlete though.
March 7th, 2023 at 1:59 pm
I wouldn’t be surprised if Richardson dropped to the 3rd round. His performance in the combine was great, but his tape from last season was terrible. He’s a one read and run guy. He can’t scan the field and cant progress past maybe his second option at best.
Did you see the stats of the 5 fastest 40’s for all QB’s in combine history. The only one that had one good year was RG3.
March 8th, 2023 at 12:35 am
Finally a sane honest take on Richardson from at least one of the Joe’s.
But using a third for a project QB? Nah…to many other needs.
March 8th, 2023 at 9:17 am
I feel like the 2 Joes have a bet like Super Troopers….how many times to say meow. Gotta shoehorn AR-15 into each article at least 9x.