Monitoring 2023’s newest 1st-round projections for the Panthers

If the Lions don’t worth the remaining quarterback prospects as potential successors to Jared Goff, don’t be stunned in the event that they’re prepared to maneuver down right here. The Panthers is likely to be prepared to leap forward of the Raiders (giving up certainly one of their two second-rounders) for the quarterback of their selection, and although he’s nonetheless bought loads of query marks, it gained’t be shocking if Levis finally ends up being that subsequent one off the board.

The place you stand on Richardson most likely has loads to do with how uncooked you suppose he’s as a prospect, versus how a lot inventory you set within the development he clearly confirmed in most areas within the second half of his first season as an NCAA starter. The Panthers might slide alongside for a yr as Richardson develops, or they might set issues up for him to have a Justin Fields-style influence early on. Both approach, the upside is one thing this franchise hasn’t seen because it took Cam Newton first total within the 2011 draft.

If the Panthers transfer on from pending free agent Sam Darnold, the group might take a flier on a boom-or-bust prospect with intriguing instruments.

Let’s get this out of the best way now: I wouldn’t play Richardson in 12 months 1. He wants time to develop. He’s not an NFL-ready thrower. However he’s an superior expertise, a uncooked quarterback in a 6-foot-4 body who can be one of many league’s most electrifying runners as quickly as he steps on the sphere. His dimension and bodily instruments can’t be taught, and NFL coaches will need to work with him and attempt to take him to the subsequent stage. Richardson accomplished simply 53.8% of his passes in 2022 — he has a protracted methods to go together with his mechanics. Once more, although, he has a excessive ceiling if a training employees may help him get there.

The Panthers have taken too many probabilities on low-upside starters over the previous few years, together with Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield. It’s time for them to fill the place with some severe upside, with a participant who can change the franchise’s outlook. Anthony Richardson is probably the most gifted quarterback on this class, however he wants a variety of work. If the Panthers could be affected person with Richardson and provides him time, he might be their subsequent Cam Newton.

Richardson is likely one of the most enjoyable prospects on this class. The issue: he’s brief on expertise, and whereas his bodily instruments are uncommon, the Panthers are in dire want of a beginning QB proper now. David Tepper might select to go the free company route (once more), however that has been, let’s consider, a crapshoot. On the finish of the day, Carolina could have to maneuver inside the highest 5 in the event that they’re a quarterback they actually need with Day 1 starter potential.