Anthony Richardson declared for the 2023 NFL Draft and though scouts will have room for critiques, the intrigue surrounding the skillset of the Florida Gators starting quarterback looks to carry enough weight to warrant a first round selection. Mock drafts consistently place Richardson in the first round , some place him in the Top-10:
- Round 1, Pick 9 – Carolina Panthers – CBS Sports
- Round 1, Pick 3 – Seattle Seahawks – Pro Football Network
- Round 1, Pick 12 – Houston Texans – The Draft Network
- Round 1, Pick 14 – Washington Commanders – Tankathon
- Round 1, Pick 8 – Carolina Panthers – Sports Illustrated
- Round 1, Pick 6 – Atlanta Falcons – Touchdown Wire
- Round 1, Pick 29 – Minnesota Vikings – Drafttek
- Round 1, Pick 23 – New York Giants – Pro Football Focus
Several teams will be in the market for a quarterback this cycle and they fall in to three major categories:
- Sit & Develop – a place which will not rush Richardson into a starting role that will allow him to develop for at least 2-3 years.
- Potential to Start as a Rookie – a destination that is in great need of a starter heading into the 2023 season and may require Richardson to jump in and learn on the fly.
- If QB1 Moves On – a few teams who may seem settled at the moment have some questions to answer heading into the postseason,
SIT & DEVELOP
Embed from Getty ImagesMinnesota Vikings
2022 Starting QB: Kirk Cousins
Projected 2023 Starter: Kirk Cousins
Last QB Drafted: 2021 NFL Draft, Round 3, Kellen Mond (Texas A&M)
PROS: An ideal destination for Richardson. The Vikings would offer him the ability to develop under the tutelage Kevin O’Connell behind entrenched starter Kirk Cousins.
CONS: Vikings only possess four picks in the 2023 NFL Draft (rounds 1, 3, 4, and 5) after using three picks in trades. If the team sees itself as a contender in 2023, will they want to invest in a future quarterback or gather ammo for a Super Bowl run?
Embed from Getty ImagesSeattle Seahawks
2022 Starting QB: Geno Smith
Projected 2023 Starter: Geno Smith
Last QB Drafted: 2018 NFL Draft, Round 7, Alex McGough (FIU)
PROS: Smith outperformed expectations, but is still nothing more than a temporary solution to fill the gap between Russell Wilson and Seattle’s next franchise quarterback. The Seahawks may not be the best landing spot in terms of development – at least as long as Pete Carroll sticks around – but the Hawks must invest in a quarterback during this draft cycle. They possess four draft picks in the first two rounds thanks to the Wilson trade and are in a great spot to take a chance on Richardson.
CONS: The presence of Drew Lock may not be a long term obstacle for Richardson, but it could impact reps early in his career. Whether in preseason or just practice, it may be more ideal for Richardson to enter into a situation where he would be the clear cut backup from the get go.
Embed from Getty ImagesDenver Broncos
2022 Starting QB: Russell Wilson
Projected 2023 Starter: Russell Wilson
Last QB Drafted: 2019 NFL Draft, Round 2, Drew Lock (Missouri)
PROS: Yes, Wilson and the Broncos were a mess this year, but Denver is more appealing that it seems on the surface. Wilson is not going anywhere anytime soon, essentially guaranteeing Richardson 2-3 years to develop. Though Seattle holds Denver’s first rounder, the Broncos snuck back into top round by dealing Bradley Chubb to Miami at midseason.
CONS: Wilson has been subject to a heavy degree of criticism throughout a disappointing season thanks to perceived locker room issues. The situation as a whole does not seem stable. No doubt the new coach will likely have to pitch a plan centered on Wilson. Richardson may be an afterthought and it may serve him better going to a team with a more established operation.
Embed from Getty ImagesDetroit Lions
2022 Starting QB: Jared Goff
Projected 2023 Starter: Jared Goff
Last QB Drafted: 2017 NFL Draft, Round 6, Brad Kaaya (Miami)
PROS: Goff has two years remaining on his deal, but his dead cap number drops from $41m, $10m in 2023, and $5m in 2024 meaning the Lions can move on with little penalty in the near future. However, Goff has proved to be formidable in what was thought to be a career death sentence as the less notable end of the Matthew Stafford trade. Richardson would not need to play right away and would get a chance to work closely with former Jaguars great and current Lions QB coach Mark Brunell.
CONS: Goff is only 28-years old and could very well have another decade under his belt. Campbell could lean toward sticking with Goff should the former top-pick in the draft continue to perform well meaning Richardson may not get a real shot at the starting job during his time in the Motor City.
Embed from Getty ImagesCarolina Panthers
2022 Starting QB: Sam Darnold, P.J. Walker, and Baker Mayfield
Projected 2023 Starter: Draft Pick/Free Agent/Matt Corral/Sam Darnold
Last QB Drafted: 2022 NFL Draft, Round 3, Matt Corral (Ole Miss)
PROS: The Panthers found their footing under interim head coach Steve Wilks, however, it’s unclear if Carolina will keep Wilks or bring in a new head coach. There is an opportunity for rookie in this situation, but it’s more likely the Panthers will bring in a veteran or keep Darnold around for at least another year. Carolina has three picks in the first two rounds of the draft.
CONS: Similar to Denver, there may be a good degree of uncertainty. Matt Corral missed the 2022 campaign due to injury, but will return next season to offer competition. Richardson may be better off in a situation where he won’t be thrown into the fire as a rookie.
POTENTIAL TO START AS A ROOKIE
Embed from Getty ImagesHouston Texans
2022 Starting QB: Davis Mills
Projected 2023 Starter: Davis Mills/Draft Pick
Last QB Drafted: 2021 NFL Draft, Round 3, Davis Mills (Stanford)
PROS: The Texans currently hold the pole position for the 2023 NFL Draft and are likely to take a quarterback in the first round. Will Richardson have a shot to be in that mix? Experts don’t seem to think so with most mock drafts placing Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud as the first two quarterbacks off of the board. Should the Texans pass on quarterback with the first pick in favor of a player like Will Anderson from Alabama, they could pick up Richardson with their second first rounder (Watson trade from Cleveland) or their early second round pick.
CONS: Lovie Smith could be seen as both a positive and a negative regarding Richardson. Though Richardson would not be anyone’s favorite fantasy option in Houston, Smith’s proclivity toward defense could protect Richardson early in his career, but would a prolonged tenure under a Smith staff ultimately limit his development?
Embed from Getty ImagesIndianapolis Colts
2022 Starting QB: Matt Ryan/Sam Ehlinger/Nick Foles
Projected 2023 Starter: Draft Pick
Last QB Drafted: 2021 NFL Draft, Round 6, Sam Ehlinger (Texas)
PROS: The Colts will likely wipe the slate clean after a disaster of a season and throw all of their support behind their newly drafted quarterback. Indianapolis has fallen into the same trap for the last several seasons – bring in a veteran quarterback in hopes of squeezing the last bit of success out of their career. It worked with Rivers, failed with Wentz, and failed spectacularly with Matt Ryan. Irsay will likely require his new front office to address the quarterback situation with their opening selection. Despite the struggles, the Colts play in the AFC South meaning they only have to catch a Tennessee team which is trending downward and a rising Jacksonville team – not exactly a difficult chore.
CONS: Indianapolis is headed toward a full rebuild over the next couple of seasons. After years of depending on high priced free agents who fall short of expectations, it would not be surprising to see a youth movement in Indy next season. While it may serve the Colts better in the long run, there may be significant growing pains in the short term.
Embed from Getty ImagesLas Vegas Raiders
2022 Starting QB: Derek Carr/Jarrett Stidham
Projected 2023 Starter: Draft Pick/Free Agent
Last QB Drafted: 2016 NFL Draft, Round 4, Connor Cook (Michigan State)
PROS: The Raiders are set to move on from Derek Carr after a disappointing opening season under Josh McDaniels. Las Vegas may end up in position to snag either Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud early on, but adding a quarterback through the draft will be an essential piece to the Raiders’ offseason plans. McDaniels may have a mediocre track record with quarterbacks as a head coach, but he had a much longer track record of success in New England, including bringing Mac Jones along during his rookie campaign last season. Jones has regressed without McDaniels…perhaps the Raiders could get Jones at a discount if the Pats are ready to move on.
CONS: This is going to be a difficult situation for a rookie. Facing Mahomes, Wilson, and Herbert six games per year will a tall order for any young quarterback. The Raiders are notoriously instable and not an ideal landing spot for Richardson.
Embed from Getty ImagesNew York Giants
2022 Starting QB: Daniel Jones/Tyrod Taylor
Projected 2023 Starter: Daniel Jones/Draft Pick/Free Agent
Last QB Drafted: 2019 NFL Draft, Round 1, Daniel Jones (Duke)
PROS: Brian Daboll has had a hand in developing Josh Allen and made the best of a bad situation with Daniel Jones in New York. The G-Men are playoff bound thanks to some shrewd coaching by the first year staff and Saquon Barkley plus a stout defense make this an attractive landing spot for a rookie quarterback next season. It would not be surprising to see Jones back on a short term deal in order to give a draft pick room to develop.
CONS: If Jones returns, continues to develop, and leads the Giants to some level of success in the playoffs, he could win over the coaching staff and become difficult to unseat. Not a likely scenario, but it could be an obstacle down the road.
Embed from Getty ImagesWashington Commanders
2022 Starting QB: Carson Wentz/Taylor Heinicke
Projected 2023 Starter:Taylor Heinicke
Last QB Drafted: 2022 NFL Draft, Round 5, Sam Howell (North Carolina)
PROS: The Commanders outperformed expectations this season with a near .500 record. Should Rivera be retained, Richardson would get to play for the man who coached Cam Newton – a common player comp thanks to his size and speed – through his best years in Carolina. Rivera is a glimmer of stability in an otherwise chaotic organization and, if he stays put, he could create a good environment in which Richardson can develop. Rivera’s ideal team leans on the defense and a strong running game which suits Richardson well.
CONS: Alluded to it above – Washington under Dan Snyder is chaos. This once proud franchise has become one of the more dysfunctional organizations in the entire league. Will Snyder sell anytime soon? Will Rivera get canned in the offseason? Who knows…too much inconsistency for a young quarterback. I know Rivera is not going to field a Top-5 offense, but he at least represents a level of stability within the football side of the business. If he stays, it could be a decent fit. If he goes, it just means more of the same under Dan Snyder.
Embed from Getty ImagesNew Orleans Saints
2022 Starting QB: Jameis Winston/Andy Dalton
Projected 2023 Starter: Winston/Draft Pick
Last QB Drafted: 2021 NFL Draft, Round 4, Ian Book (Notre Dame)
PROS: Life after a Hall of Fame quarterback is not so good, eh? The Saints came back to the pack over the last couple of seasons after being spoiled for a good decade and half. Winston has suffered back to back season injuries in two years on the job in the Big Easy, but unlike 2021, New Orleans has been able to lean on one backup in Winston’s absence. Despite the uncertainty at quarterback, the Saints have been competitive. New Orleans does not draft until round two after trading their first rounder in 2023 to get back into the top round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
CONS: Should the Saints not turn things around quickly, Allen could be gone and Richardson may be at the mercy of new staff. In addition, should the Saints decide to retain Winston and Dalton, Richardson may be buried on the depth chart early on in his career.
Embed from Getty ImagesLos Angeles Rams
2022 Starting QB: Matthew Stafford/John Wolford/Bryce Perkins/Baker Mayfield
Projected 2023 Starter: Matthew Stafford (unless he retires)
Last QB Drafted: 2016 NFL Draft, Round 1, Jared Goff (Cal)
PROS: There is enough talent on the defense to make a few changes and get back into form. A strong defense would be a nice security blanket for a first year quarterback. McVay could be a good mentor provided he sticks around. Richardson would get an opportunity to work with an aggressive franchise that is not afraid to pay what it takes to build a winner.
CONS: The Rams went all in for a Super Bowl window and are primed for a rebuild in the coming years. Last year, it was reported that Sean McVay was flirting with the idea of jumping from the sidelines into a television career. Things will likely get worse before they get better in Los Angeles.
IF QB1 MOVES ON
Embed from Getty ImagesBaltimore Ravens
2022 Starting QB: Lamar Jackson/Tyler Huntley
Projected 2023 Starter: Lamar Jackson (contract dependent)
Last QB Drafted: 2019 NFL Draft, Round 6, Trace McSorley (Penn State)
PROS: The Ravens have been the model of consistency over the past two decades. It seems completely insane that Baltimore and Jackson have allowed this situation to reach this level of discontentment, but Jackson’s gamble will pay off this offseason. Should Jackson depart, a rookie quarterback will have a major opportunity to step in and lead Baltimore into the future.
CONS: Though the Ravens are still one of the top franchises in the league, they have struggled to capitalize in the playoffs. Baltimore has not advanced past the divisional round of the playoffs since their 2012 Super Bowl run.
Embed from Getty ImagesNew England Patriots
2022 Starting QB: Mac Jones/Bailey Zappe
Projected 2023 Starter: Mac Jones
Last QB Drafted: 2022 NFL Draft, Round 4, Bailey Zappe (Western Kentucky)
PROS: Jones helped to stabilize New England last year and lead the Patriots back to the playoffs. However, 2022 has created some level of doubt as to whether Jones is the long-term solution. Zappe filled in admirably while Jones was injured earlier in the season. It not be shocking to see New England move on altogether, draft another quarterback, and bring in veteran (anyone else hear the Brady rumors?) to serve as a gap solution until Richardson is ready to take over.
CONS: The Pats will likely not be ready to move on from Jones and Zappe will have a full season of experience in the system. The system may get an overhaul in the offseason as many are not pleased with Matt Patricia’s play-calling. Overall, it’s not an ideal situation for Richardson to land in next season.
Embed from Getty ImagesNew York Jets
2022 Starting QB: Mike White/Zach Wilson
Projected 2023 Starter: Mike White
Last QB Drafted: 2021 NFL Draft, Round 1, Zach Wilson (BYU)
PROS: The Jets seem to have had their fill with Zach Wilson after a turbulent 2022 season. Wilson has struggled to find his footing in the pros and with an improving defense, New York will demand a more consistent option at the quarterback position next season. Mike White will likely be viewed as the starter heading into next season, however, if the Jets move on from Wilson, they may want to invest in another young quarterback.
CONS: The Jets are synonymous with destroying young quarterbacks.