Seahawks Combine Meeting with Anthony Richardson Felt 'Different,' Says QB
The buzz surrounding the Seattle Seahawks' interest in selecting a quarterback in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft had already reached some unexpected heights when the NFL Scouting Combine got underway in Indianapolis on Tuesday.
And now? This speculated interest has turned into a real likelihood for the Seahawks, who hold the No. 5 pick in April's draft. Strangely enough, Seattle's sudden rise into the quarterback draft conversation has been simultaneous with the monstrous jump - both literally and figuratively - of Florida signal-caller Anthony Richardson, who took the league by storm with an eye-popping showing at the combine.
But while it was his record-breaking vertical jump and dime-dropping passing performance that drew tons of understandable attention, it was Richardson's combine meeting with the Seahawks that could be turning even more heads.
"A cool moment came when Richardson met with the Seahawks," per ESPN reporter Stephen Holder. "Richardson said he felt an instant rapport with energetic coach Pete Carroll."
"He had this big smile on his face," Richardson said, per the report. "We shook hands, and something about it was just different. You only see these guys on TV. And now I'm in their presence and they're right there talking to me. And they're interested in me. That makes you feel good."
An instant connection with a quarterback who could realistically fall to the Seahawks at No. 5? It's hard to say anyone saw this coming after Geno Smith had officially led Seattle to a surprising postseason appearance.
Regardless of the approach, the Seahawks would be getting a special player and raw talent should they draft Richardson.
The dual-threat stud went 176 of 327 passing for 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions this past season. He added 103 carries for 654 yards and nine touchdowns. The stats leave more to be desired, while turnovers and overall efficiency will be the focus of improvement. But he's a rookie for a reason.
After all, when has a team drafted a player based on statistical performance alone?
Richardson's performance at the combine was certainly impressive and helped further boost his already rising draft stock. This doesn't mean he's guaranteed major success as a rookie, but taking time to develop Richardson alongside of handful of the other young players on Seattle's roster could be well worth it.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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