2023 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys stock up offense, Panthers reach at QB
By Randy Gurzi
Scouting Report. Florida. player. Pick Analysis. QB. Anthony Richardson. 9. 87
9. Carolina Panthers: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
The Carolina Panthers had a lot going on under center this year. They added Baker Mayfield in the offseason as the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft joined Sam Darnold, who was the No. 3 overall pick in that same class. Mayfield then won the starting job over Darnold in training camp but he had more than his share of struggles.
Mayfield was eventually benched for P.J. Walker, with Darnold injured, and ended up being released when Darnold came back. That came at the request of Mayfield who wanted to find somewhere he could play. He got that as he was successful with the Rams but the Panthers — who also fired head coach Matt Rhule — still need to get things figured out.
The first step is going to be hiring the right coach, and then they’re going to need their franchise quarterback. Here, they roll the dice on Anthony Richardson from Florida, who they hope can be developed into a star.
Richardson did improve down the stretch this season and is easily the most athletic quarterback in this class. However, he needs a lot of work and really isn’t worth a top-10 pick.
But in the NFL, teams will reach for quarterbacks hoping they can win the lottery. And if Carolina can help him become a more accurate passer, that could be exactly what they do.