4 lively outsiders to be the Carolina Panthers first-round pick in 2023

Carolina Panthers could draft Anthony Richardson

• Quarterback | Florida Gators

There’s no real debate about who the best two quarterbacks are in the 2023 NFL Draft. What comes after Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud is less certain.

Many expect teams to fall in love with Will Levis, the polarizing Kentucky prospect that has the intangibles but endured a rough final campaign with the Wildcats. There is also the presence of Anthony Richardson, who demonstrated tremendous growth in 2022 and has electrifying traits that could take the league by storm with additional development.

Richardson is raw beyond measure, but not as much as many portray. His athleticism is absolutely astonishing, which provides a dual-threat weapon that gives opposing defenses nightmares when early momentum is generated.

There is solid arm strength and the pocket presence Richardson displayed came on a great deal throughout his time at Florida. However, anyone expecting him to start immediately is running the risk of detrimentally affecting his long-term potential.

If the Panthers gambled on Richardson at No 9 overall – which isn’t entirely out of the question – then acquiring a veteran bridge for short-term relief is essential. Whether that’s Sam Darnold or someone else is the big question.

Drafting Richardson would fracture the fanbase, one suspects. But again, if Scott Fitterer believes enough, this is a legitimate candidate to become Carolina’s next franchise player.