Wolfson: Vikings Representative Attends Anthony Richardson Pro Day
K. Joudry
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The decision to eschew a Kirk Cousins extension (so far) has set the mock drafters ablaze with purple QB speculation. Names like Hendon Hooker and Will Levis have been sent in Minnesota’s direction by mock drafts at CBS Sports, NFL.com, and The Athletic. What about Anthony Richardson, though?
According to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson, a Vikings representative – Pat Roberts – attended his Pro Day. Take a peak at Wolfson relaying the word:
Obviously, simply being in attendance isn’t ironclad proof that Minnesota will make a move for the talented QB. After all, Richardson is likely to go high in the opening round. Being able to get him into a purple uniform may require moving out significant draft capital to jump up to a spot where he’s still available.
Nevertheless, it’s still worth noting that Minnesota was in attendance. Clearly, there’s at least some interest. How much remains to be seen.
The consensus seems to be that Richardson is ultra talented but still needs room to polish his craft. If that’s the main knock – a lack of readiness for opening day in 2023 – then Minnesota appears to be an ideal team.
The Vikings employ a former NFL QB as their head coach. The starter in 2023 is going to be Kirk Cousins, as both the head coach and owner have confirmed in recent interviews. Cousins is a hard-working, intelligent QB who can function as a great mentor while providing above-average on-field play.
Having Nick Mullens in the QB room is another positive. The journeyman can impart even more wisdom to Richardson.
The common comparison is to Alex Smith and the Chiefs before Patrick Mahomes took over. Obviously, that’s a situation that worked out wonderfully. At 27, Mahomes has been to 5 Pro Bowls, on a pair of All Pro teams (and another if we count the AP2), he has won 2 SBs and been to 3, won Offensive Player of the Year, and has also been the SB MVP twice.
Yeah, the Chiefs’ approach – and result – is certainly the ideal.
Even obtaining half of the accomplishments on Mahomes’ resume would make any trade up more than worth it. Indeed, if that happened, a move up for Anthony Richardson was a stroke of genius from the Vikings.
The 6’4″, 236 pound Richardson had some relatively underwhelming college stats. A mere 53.8% of his passes were completed in 2022. He had 17 TDs and 9 INTs. On the ground, he had 103 carries go for 654 yards and 9 TDs.
PFF lists him as their 6th-best draft prospect, largely because of his potential: “Richardson oozes ability. His highlight reel from his lone season as a starter rivals any you’ll see from a college prospect. He’s still a project, though, and finished with an 80.1 overall grade this past season.”
More recently, Anthony Richardson ended up going 13th overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (a trade occurred) in the VT & P/PTSD mock draft. Him sliding down into that range may be tempting for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Making the jump from 23 into the top 10 would be hugely expensive. Getting into the low teens is much easier (though not without challenges).
As of right now, the Vikings representative attending the Richardson Pro Day can’t be used as clear-cut proof of strong interest. Instead, it’s merely a signal that, at the very least, the team is doing it’s due diligence. Partnering that reality with the Cousins contract uncertainty makes things a touch more fascinating.
Let’s see how things continue to develop as the NFL Draft inches closer. We’re less than a month away.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Sports Reference CFB helped with this piece.
