The Carolina Panthers made a huge move on Friday by trading four draft picks and standout wide receiver DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears for the top pick in next month’s NFL draft.
This move has positioned the Panthers to take a man who could and should be their franchise quarterback for many years to come when the draft begins.
For a while, many have felt the top pick will be University of Alabama signal-caller Bryce Young, and if it won’t be him, most have agreed it would be CJ Stroud of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
But there is a bit of buzz that Carolina may instead opt for the University of Florida’s Anthony Richardson, and Dan Orlovsky says that his gut feeling is that the team will indeed take Richardson.
What QB do they go get?
My gut as of right now is Richardson. https://t.co/5HfzAckYlC
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) March 10, 2023
Richardson’s stats as a Florida Gator were overwhelming for someone who could go No. 1 in the entire draft.
He threw for 2,549 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2022, which was his first year as a full-time starter, and he added 654 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.
But in recent weeks, he has garnered a lot more attention as a top QB prospect, especially after the recent NFL Combine.
There, he set a record for the highest vertical leap by a quarterback, and his other measurables, including his hand size and 40-yard dash time, were impressive.
In addition, Richardson reportedly did very well during the interview process at the combine.
It will be interesting to see if the Panthers go with someone like Richardson who is trending upward or a more proven and “safe” prospect like Young or Stroud.
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Steve Smith Reacts To Panthers Big Draft Trade
