Anthony Richardson has the potential to go first overall in this year’s NFL draft. However, until recently the top three quarterback prospects were all in the mix for the first overall pick. With the recent news of college football, standout Bryce Young is heavily favored to go first. Flordia Gators’ product Richardson could still be a very compelling first-overall pick.

Carolina Panthers Holds The First Overall Pick

In the 2023 NFL draft, the Carolina Panthers will be selecting first overall when the draft starts. Rumors are swirling that the first pick will be Young. However, in the world of sports, it’s not a done deal until that player’s name is called and signed on the dotted line. Given that one thing that is almost for certain is the Panthers will take a quarterback first overall. Having been linked heavily to Young. Richardson is still a very compelling prospect that fits a need for the Panthers.

Quarterback A Lock At Number One

In light of what player will be taken first overall, it seems highly likely a quarterback will be first off the board. Earlier in the off-season the Panthers made a blockbuster trade with the Chicago Bears. In fact, they gave up wide receiver D.J. Moore and significant draft capital in the trade with the Bears. When compensation moves hands like that before the draft it signals a quarterback could be taken. Young and CJ Stroud have been linked ahead of Richardson. Both Young and Stroud were more accomplished than Richardson in college. However, their floors are higher but Richardson’s ceiling could be higher than the other two.

Cam Newton Comparison

Richardson’s NFL pro comparison has been that of Cam Newton. At six feet four inches and weighing 232 pounds he has the closest size and frame to Newton. The same Newton that won an NFL MVP as the starting quarterback of the Panthers. While also leading them to a Super Bowl and being one of the best players in franchise history. It is important to realize that a pro comparison like this to Newton means more in Carolina than somewhere else. If Richardson is taken first overall that means the Houston Texans could have their pick of Young or Stroud with the second overall pick.

Anthony Richardson Questions

Although Richardson makes a compelling case as the number-one pick for the Panthers. There are still some questions surrounding Richardson. Given that his ceiling might be the highest of them all. It might not be worth the risk for the Panthers to draft him. There are concerns about his accuracy as a passer. He has arm talent but struggles to put the ball where it needs to be. As well as his being inconsistent during his collegiate days. Another concern was his lack of winning while he was the starter for the Gators. As the starting quarterback, he was only 6-6. Lastly, there are questions about him being labeled a project. A team may not want to draft a player first overall that’s not pro-ready right now. If they can coach him up to be the day one start then the sky is the limit.

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