Panthers 7-round NFL mock draft ahead of 2022 college football season

Carolina Panthers select Anthony Richardson

• Quarterback | Florida

If the Carolina Panthers are picking No. 8 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, then things haven’t gone according to plan for head coach Matt Rhule. This might come with severe ramifications for the former Baylor man after three years in the job.

Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold are both out of contract next year. The Panthers also won’t have a clue if Matt Corral can become their long-term answer under center after he sustained a serious foot injury that will keep him for the entire campaign.

Much will depend on Mayfield’s performance and whether Rhule gets a fourth year. But if the Panthers are looking for a signal-caller, this is an extremely deep class to secure a difference-maker at the position.

One of the most intriguing prospects is Anthony Richardson. The Florida stud has all the physical traits needed to become an NFL star, but there is little to go off in terms of college experience with just 66 pass attempts over his two-year stint with the Gators.

The 2022 season will tell us much more about Richardson, who has a rocket for an arm and can make things happen on the run with ease. There are some concerns about his decision-making and accuracy, but that should improve with more reps in a competitive setting.

No player has the opportunity to boost their stock more than Richardson in 2022. Whether the Panthers are looking at another quarterback by this point is another matter.