Panthers 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: Changing places edition

Carolina Panthers draft Anthony Richardson

• Quarterback | Florida

As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers need to find their long-term solution at the quarterback position. Sam Darnold’s game managing has been encouraging over the last three games overall, but banking on the former USC star beyond this season looks risky at best.

That leaves just Matt Corral as the only signal-caller under contract in 2023. Something that almost guarantees a new face coming into the fold depending on what influential figures within the Panthers decides beforehand.

The smoke and mirrors are already starting, especially surrounding Will Levis. However, we’ve gone a different route and traded to No. 32 overall for the chance to select Anthony Richardson out of Florida.

Richardson is the most polarizing prospect in the draft. His athletic traits are mesmerizing and there’s been real progress throughout the campaign, but this could be a two-year project before the player is ready to assume command under center in the pros.

If the Panthers went down this route, they need to be patient. Richardson has all the tools and could become an elite signal-caller with further refinement, but taking things slowly is the best way to maximize his undoubted potential.

There’s a good chance Richardson goes much higher than this once the assessment process concludes. But his draft projection is all over the place right now, so it’s a case of wait-and-see.