Anthony Richardson: Dynasty Rookie Draft Advice (2023 Fantasy Football)

The 2023 NFL Draft is in the books, and now it’s time for dynasty rookie drafts. Landing spots and draft capital have been determined, and we’re here with your dynasty rookie draft outlooks. Let’s take a look at what Derek Brown expects of Anthony Richardson.

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Dynasty Rookie Draft Picks & Predictions: Anthony Richardson

Anthony Richardson (IND)

An Absolute DIME by Anthony Richardson pic.twitter.com/I6Bsy5Bdro

— Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) February 23, 2023

Stats:

2022 (minimum 150 dropbacks)
- PFF passing grade: 70th
- Adjusted completion rate: 133rd
- Yards per attempt: 55th
- Big-time throw rate: 37th

Deep passing (minimum 20 deep passing attempts)
- Adjusted completion rate: 74th
- Deep throw rate: 29th

Pressured passing (minimum 50 pressured dropbacks)
- Adjusted completion rate: 93rd
- Pressured rate: 21st (highest)

Scouting report:

Richardson looks like a quarterback with only one full season of starting experience under his belt. Many passing plays have a predetermined target immediately. Richardson rarely gets to his second option; when he does, it feels a tick behind. Sometimes, he hesitates with open wide receivers, pumping the ball instead of firing, as if he doesn’t trust his eyes.
Richardson was utilized on a ton of bootlegs to the right. This was also a favorite escape path when pressured, as he would roll out right in many cases instead of stepping up in the pocket. Richardson looks comfortable throwing on the run, moving to his right. His ball placement is strong in these play designs.
Richardson has a cannon for an arm, but he’s still refining it. His ball placement can be erratic. He’ll toss a ball behind a receiver running a slant, and then hit a receiver in stride for a 50-yard bomb into double coverage. The flashes of upside are brilliant. You get a glimpse of the type of game-changing quarterback Richardson can be if it all coalesces. His strong arm still needs taming. He needs to gain touch on short and intermediate throws. He has only one gear on many of these plays: a full-bore fastball. Richardson isn’t an anticipatory thrower. He’s still in the see-it, throw-it phase of his evolution.
Richardson is a sick athlete capable of a highlight-reel-worthy play every snap. He’s an explosive rusher with some nice lateral agility for his size. When he’s in a rhythm, he is a special player.

Player Comp: Colin Kaepernick

Dynasty Outlook: If you’re an Anthony Richardson truther or just a fan of elite upside, you should be streaking in the streets after shotgunning a few cocktails with Richardson landing with Shane Steichen. Steichen’s track record with quarterbacks is proven and polished. Yes, he helped Jalen Hurts, but even before that, he assisted Justin Herbert in his rookie season and Philip Rivers before him. Richardson’s rushing upside is ridiculous. That alone gives him a top-12 floor in fantasy in his rookie season, assuming he starts in Week 1. Indy has Michael Pittman, Jonathan Taylor, Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs to help make Richardson’s life easier when he drops back to pass. Look for Steichen to dial up the deep heaves as well. Over the last two seasons, Jalen Hurts finished 14th and fourth in deep ball passing rate (minimum 20 deep attempts per PFF). Last year among 148 quarterbacks with at least 20 deep attempts (per PFF), Richardson ranked 20th in PFF deep passing grade and 30th in deep passer rating. The Colts will be an explosive play factory this year. In Superflex dynasty rookie drafts, you can make an argument for Richardson over Bijan Robinson, with Richardson’s floor being 1.03. In 1QB dynasty formats, he is the QB1 of this class because of his rushing production.