5 players the Panthers could pick with the 1st pick in the 2023 NFL Draft

2023 NFL mock draft: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes drops back to pass during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 04: Quarterback Anthony Richardson of Florida participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Carolina Panthers option no. 1: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

While Jalen Carter would be an exciting play it would be the thrill of the 2023 NFL Draft if the Panthers selected the most dynamic player available; UOF’s Anthony Richardson.

Richardson absolutely won the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine putting on a remarkable performance. Richardson showed off his superior athletic ability in the 40-yard dash (4.43) and the vertical leap (40 1/2). Richardson captured everyone’s attention during the on-field workouts as well as completing a multitude of passes and the depth of his throwing ability.

Richardson’s on-field workout also reminded others of his Florida tape; flashy, and exciting, but not always the most accurate or efficient. Richardson is a raw prospect that will require excellent coaching, although he has the highest ceiling of all the draft prospects. If Richardson’s skills could be finessed along with his athletic prowess he could be an elite quarterback. Frank Reich has a track record of mentoring quarterbacks. Reich grooming Richardson to be the Panthers quarterback of the future with the first pick overall could be life-altering for the Carolina franchise.

Panthers owner David Tepper wants to win and placing Richardson in the right situation in Carolina could lead them to a winning tradition.

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