Anthony Richardson projected as top-10 pick by ESPN's Todd McShay

On3 imageby:Nick de la Torre•05/05/22•

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The hype surrounding Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson is building.

On Thursday, ESPN Draft analyst Todd McShay released his “way too early 2023 mock draft.” Richardson was projected No. 6 overall to the Carolina Panthers.

The 2022 NFL Draft saw just one quarterback selected in the first round (Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers). McShay has a run on QBs in the opening round of 2023, with five going in the first nine picks.

Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud and Alabama quarterback Bryce Young go first and second with Richardson coming off of the board third.

McShay’s first-round quarterbacks:
1. CJ Stroud (Texans)
2. Bryce Young (Lions)
6. Anthony Richardson (Panthers)
8. Will Levis (Giants)
9. Tyler Van Dyke (Seahawks)

This is the latest in a long line of first-round projections for Richardson. Bleacher Report, Walter Football and Sports Illustrated are all predicting Richardson as a top-10 pick. Richardson played sparingly last season behind Emory Jones and appeared in just seven games due to injuries. He completed 38-of-64 passes for 529 yards with 6 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.

Jason McIntyre of FOX Sports has him going fifth overall to the New York Giants in his mock draft. And during a discussion about potential No. 1 overall picks in the 2023 NFL Draft on The Adam Schefter Podcast, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. said Richardson should be in the conversation for a top-10 pick.

“Anthony Richardson from Florida is a talented kid,” Kiper said on the podcast. “Wow, is he talented. If he can become consistent throwing the football, you’re going to be talking a lot about Anthony Richardson as well.”

Richardson left spring camp the clear starter for the Gators. The 6-4, 240-pound quarterback had a great spring camp and a sensational spring game. He completed 18-of-24 passes for 207 yards and scored three total touchdowns.

Here’s what McShay had to say about Richardson:

This was McShay’s explanation for the Panthers’ pick of Richardson. Carolina also drafted former Ole Miss quarterback — and one-time Gator commit — Matt Corral in the third round this year.

“The Panthers, however, should start scouting the 2023 signal-callers. I’m not so sure they view Matt Corral as a long-term option, and Sam Darnold will be off the books after this season. Plus, Carolina could have a new regime in place, especially if it’s picking this early again. Now, Richardson is a huge projection — the 6-foot-4, 236-pound passer played in just eight games and started once last year — and has some turnover issues. But he’s extremely talented and poised for a breakout season in his first as a full-time starter.”

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