Peter King Sends Dynamic QB Prospect to Vikings in 2023 Mock Draft

Peter King Sends Dynamic QB Prospect to Vikings in Latest Mock Draft
Sep 3, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) points after he scores a touchdown against the Utah Utes during the first quarter at Steve Spurrier-Florida Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The 2023 NFL Draft kicks off later this week, and as it gets closer, everyone is getting their final mock drafts out into the public. The quarterback position has been a recent trend for the Minnesota Vikings, and in the past week, it seems that there is growing steam that they could be in the mix for one of the top 4 QB prospects.

Well, Peter King of NBC Sports seems to be in on the idea as well as in his final mock draft before the actual event, he has sent Florida QB Anthony Richardson to the Vikings. Here’s the kicker, though: King doesn’t have the Vikings trading up from the 23rd overall pick in order to select him.

Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson (QB11) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Instead, the dynamic QB prospect falls into the Vikings lap at No. 23, and if that were to happen on Thursday night, one can only imagine that Minnesota would sprint that selection to the podium. Here is King’s reasoning behind Richardson’s tumble down the draft board:

Easily could go earlier—as high as four to Indianapolis. But the Vikings would be an intriguing spot for the raw Richardson. Kirk Cousins has one playoff win in five Vikings seasons. The math is not in Cousins’ favor. This is year six. He’ll have made $185 million as a Viking, and will be seeking $45 million-plus to re-sign after this season to be sure, guaranteed. Who would be surprised if the Vikings wanted to start fresh in 2024 if this is another one of those years?

As a prospect, Richardson truly is one of the unknowns in terms of how his collegiate production will translate to the NFL level. He has off-the-charts athletic ability and a rocket arm, but he needs to clean up a lot in terms of his throwing mechanics.

The Pros and Cons of the Vikings Potentially Drafting Anthony Richardson
Sep 10, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) throws the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The thing is that many of the things Richardson needs to get better at are teachable. He can learn how to put more touch on his deep balls and how to properly locate his throws in the short-intermediate areas of the field.

What you can’t teach, however, is being 6’4 and 244 pounds with 4.4 speed and an arm that can easily push the ball 60 yards downfield. These are all things Richardson has at his disposal heading into the NFL, and the fact that, in Minnesota, he’d be paired with Justin Jefferson at WR and both Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill at the tackle spots would just make his transition to the NFL level that much easier.

Peter King Sends Dynamic QB Prospect to Vikings in Latest Mock Draft
Sep 3, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) points after he scores a touchdown against the Utah Utes during the first quarter at Steve Spurrier-Florida Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

This mock draft comes out just days after Todd McShay of ESPN said that he wouldn’t be surprised if Richardson was available with the 12th overall pick. Perhaps this is a case of teams putting out smokescreens ahead of the event, but it does seem that teams are a bit wary of how raw he is as a passer. We’ll see if this leads to a dramatic fall for Richardson into the Vikings waiting arms.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.

Share: