Most people seem to assume it is a foregone conclusion that either Bryce Young of the University of Alabama or CJ Stroud of Ohio State will be taken with the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
But there is another stud quarterback who is lurking on everyone’s draft boards — Anthony Richardson from the University of Florida.
NFL draft analyst Benjamin Solak says that the Carolina Panthers, who hold the top pick this year, should take Richardson over Young and Stroud.
I’ve finished charting Anthony Richardson.
I think the Panthers should take him first overall.
—Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) April 6, 2023
If one were to judge Richardson merely based on his stats, one would wonder why he should even be considered a potential No. 1 pick.
He threw for 2,549 yards and 17 touchdowns while completing just 53.8 percent of his passes in 2022, although he did run for 654 yards and nine touchdowns as well, which is a talent neither Young nor Stroud possess as much.
But Richardson reportedly impressed a number of teams during last month’s NFL Combine during the one-on-one interview process, which caused him to rise a few notches on many observers’ draft boards.
The interview process is important, since it serves as something of a window into a man’s character and mentality while allowing teams to pick his brain on his process and how he deals with different situations.
Richardson still seems like a long shot to be the first player chosen, or even the No. 2 pick, when the draft begins later this month, but perhaps he will have a long and successful career in the NFL no matter what position he falls to .
NEXT:
The Panthers Are Signing A Former Dolphins Safety