The Chicago Bears will no longer take the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Instead, we have the Carolina Panthers picking No. 1 overall.
Recall that the Bears traded the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Panthers in a bombshell transaction this past Friday before free agency started.
The Panthers gave up two first-round selections (one of which was the No. 9 overall pick in 2023), two second-round picks, and wide receiver DJ Moore.
The reason Richardson might be considered for the No. 1 pick is that he is the most athletic quarterback in this year’s class.
Take note that it’s by a significant margin. Despite being 6’4 and 244 pounds, he ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash.
That is the fourth-fastest time among quarterbacks since 2000. He also set new records for the broad and vertical jump.
Richardson is just an explosive and dynamic player. Not surprisingly, he has been compared to Josh Allen and Cam Newton.
That’s interesting, of course. Keep in mind that the Panthers may be hoping to repeat history and find another unicorn quarterback in Richardson, much like they did with Newton.
Remember that the current Panthers’ head coach, Frank Reich, has experience coaching Andrew Luck.
Recall that Luck was a large and athletic quarterback himself.
Reich also has a team of veteran assistant coaches who could help Richardson transition to the NFL.
However, there are significant risks associated with Richardson.
That’s why Reich and general manager Scott Fitterer might be cautious about selecting Richardson over other, safer-looking quarterback prospects.