Patriots reportedly met with Anthony Richardson at NFL Scouting Combine
The Patriots are the only team without an obvious need at QB on Richardson’s list
The New England Patriots have reportedly taken time at the NFL Scouting Combine to meet with one of this year's top quarterback prospects.
The Patriots have met with Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson, The Score's Jordan Schultz reported Thursday morning. The Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants and Detroit Lions, among others, have also met with Richardson, per Schultz.
Notably, the Patriots are the only team on that without an obvious need at quarterback or whose starter isn't set to be a free agent later this month.
The Patriots drafted Mac Jones 15th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. They own the 14th overall pick in this year’s event, and Jones did underperform last season.
There were extenuating circumstances to Jones' struggles, however. Jones lost offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, and New England replaced him with two coaches with limited experience on offense, Matt Patricia and Joe Judge. Jones also had one of the weaker supporting casts in the NFL at wide receiver and tight end.
Richardson is expected to come off the board early in the first round, and there seems to be a good chance he won’t be available when the Patriots are picking at No. 14. But he’s a high upside player at 6-foot-4, 232 pounds with exceptional athleticism. He went 176-of-327 for 2,549 yards with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season in his only full year as a starter with the Gators. He also rushed for 654 yards on 103 carries with nine touchdowns.
Richardson had a tough start to the season but rounded into shape beginning Week 4 in a loss to the Tennessee Volunteers.
It’s worth noting Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is not in Indianapolis for the combine, the team told WEEI.
While it would be wild for the Patriots to take a quarterback in the first round for the second time in three years, there has been speculation that the Chicago Bears could do exactly that while picking first overall after taking Justin Fields in 2021. The difference, there, however, is Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus did not draft Fields. Belichick did select Jones.
All teams typically try to meet with all NFL draft prospects, and Richardson was not at the Senior Bowl nor Shrine Bowl. So, this might be the Patriots' first chance to get to know Richardson. It's still notable, however, to see New England on Richardson's list given the fact that Jones did not see a Year. 2 leap in the Patriots' offense.
Featured image via Matt Pendleton / USA TODAY NETWORK
