According to ESPN football analyst and draft guru Mel Kiper, the Carolina Panthers have one heck of a quarterback prospect awaiting them this spring. But they may have to wait for him just a little bit.
In his first mock draft of 2023, Kiper selects the University of Florida’s Anthony Richardson for Carolina with the ninth overall pick. And although he is perceived as some by a project of sorts, the 6-foot-4, 236-pound dynamo should be worth the investment.
Kiper writes:
“Let’s get this out of the way now: I wouldn’t play Richardson in Year 1. He needs time to develop. He’s not an NFL-ready thrower. But he is an awesome talent, a raw quarterback in a 6-foot-4 frame who would be one of the league’s most electrifying runners as soon as he steps on the field. His size and physical tools cannot be taught, and NFL coaches will want to work with him and try to take him to the next level. Richardson completed just 53.8% of his passes in 2022 — he has a long ways to go with his mechanics. Again, though, he has a high ceiling if a coaching staff can help him get there.”
Along with that 53.8-percent completion rate, Richardson tossed for 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. As far as his electrifying groundwork, he displayed that promising dimension to his game through 654 rushing yards and nine more scores this past season.
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