ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller says he gets the sense that the Carolina Panthers are āall inā on one quarterback prospect.
The Carolina Panthers are in a position in which they can select one of the top four quarterback prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. Realistically, however, they could select the last of the top four, as they hold the ninth-overall pick. The Panthers have Frank Reich as head coach, who does specialize in developing and getting the most out of his quarterback. But does he have a preference as to which prospect he wants to wear a Panthers uniform?
During an appearance on ESPNās NFL Live, NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller said he gets the sense that the Panthers are āall inā on Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson.
"āYou definitely get the sense that theyāre all in on Anthony Richardson. I know itās gonna make Dan [Orlovsky]Ā very happy,ā said Miller, h/t PanthersWire. āThe athleticism is there, the arm strength is there. And you hearāthis offensive staff, led by Frank Reich, they believe that they can develop a quarterback with guys like Jim Caldwell, Thomas Brown they bring in from the L.A. Rams, thereās gonna be a lot of vertical things he can do down the field.I think this is a good situation for Richardson. A top-10 pick, which weāre all expecting. They can bring back Sam Darnold, who can really hold the door for a year, then let someone like Richardson develop.ā"
ESPN NFL Draft analyst gets sense Panthers are āall inā on Anthony Richardson
The 2023 quarterback draft class is headlined by Alabamaās Bryce Young and Ohio Stateās C.J. Stroud. There is also Kentuckyās Will Levis, who has the prototypical size and arm that scouts tend to gravitate towards. As for Richardson, while he does need some development, he may have the highest ceiling among them all.
Richardson just got off of his first season as Floridaās starting quarterback. There were some struggles throughout the year in terms of decision-making, but Richardson showed flashes of his playmaking ability. From his arm strength to target his receiver deep downfield, to using his legs to extend plays or make a huge run. If he can put it all together, he could very well be an electric dual-threat quarterback. NFL.com has Richardsonās player comparisonĀ as none other than former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.
In 12 games this past season, Richardson threw for 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns, and nine interceptions on a 53.8-completion percentage, while running for 654 yards and nine touchdowns on 103 carries.
Richardson is at the NFL Scouting Combine this week, and will be participating in drills on Saturday, March 4 at 1:00 p.m. ET. If Richardson does have a huge day, he could very well skyrocket up draft boards, which would mean interested teams would have to trade up to get him.