Anthony Gordon NFL draft profile and fantasy projection

Washington State’s Anthony Gordon is one of the most interesting quarterback prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft Class. He’s a sleeper player that profiles like a boom-or-bust prospect, and won’t garner as much attention as others.

Gordon was the leader of Mike Leach’s air raid offense and only trailed Joe Burrow in passing yards (5,579) in his lone year as a starter in 2019. He also ranked second in the country in passing touchdowns (48) while leading the nation in passing attempts (869) and completions (493). It’s obvious that he can light it up, but there’s a ton of risk associated with drafting him.

Scouting Report

Gordon has phenomenal touch on his passes and excels at leading receivers when throwing the long ball. He’s not afraid to try to make challenging throws, and that gives him an abundance of big play potential.

On the other hand, Gordon’s small frame is worrisome. He weighs in at 205 pounds and will have to deal with some big hits at the pro level. He doesn’t need to be an elite scrambler, but the -51 rushing yards he recorded last season aren’t encouraging either. Gordon only has one year as a starter under his belt, so his ability to read and dissect complex defenses.

With just 14 collegiate starts, Gordon hasn’t played enough chess against defensive coordinators and may need time on a practice squad to continue his development and avoid the “system quarterback” label. — NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein

Washington State quarterback Anthony Gordon is miles away from being a refined prospect but there is enough appeal for him to be considered a worthy developmental guy. His arm talent, delivery and flashes of accuracy are solid traits to build upon — The Draft Network’s Joe Marino

while his arm isn’t the strongest, it’s flexible and allows him to make wild throws from ridiculous arm angles. Gordon’s play-making mentality will get him into trouble (often) but when everything’s clicking, he looks like a first-round pick. — For The Win’s Steven Ruiz

Mock Draft Results

Mel Kiper, ESPN: Out of first round
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: Out of first round
Eric Edholm, Yahoo Sports: Third round or later
Doug Farrar, Touchdown Wire: Out of first round

Fantasy impact: Rookie year

Gordon needs work and will probably have little to no fantasy impact as a rookie. He could go as early in the third round but could also be undrafted and become a sought after free agent. He’s a project that could become a starter down the road.

Fantasy impact: Career

Gordon isn’t the type of player to play it safe, so could have legitimate superstar upside if he becomes a starter at some point. Him doing that is a long shot though, as we’re not even sure about whether he’ll play in the NFL next season. He’s recklessness could hinder his progress, but he’s drawn comparisons to the likes of big-time players like Jameis Winston, who was one of the most productive players under center in 2020. Gordon could be a top 10 fantasy quarterback with the right system and supporting cast. But that’s a big if.