14 April 2023 , 19:17
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After trading up from the ninth selection to have the first pick of the talent in the NFL Draft, it was first heavily reported that the Carolina Panthers were to select Ohio State's CJ Stroud, though it seems that may no longer be the case, with reports suggesting Anthony Richardson is still under consideration.
The Panthers are in need of finding their new franchise man after several failed attempts following Cam Newton's exit, with Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield all struggling as the starter.
After hiring new head coach in offensive-minded Frank Reich, the Panthers made it clear that they would be aggressive in their pursuit of their new man - quickly making the move up to the first pick. Throughout the draft process in the past four months, it has been routinely discussed that only two men would be considered by teams with the first pick - Stroud and Alabama's Bryce Young.
With Stroud seemingly being the man up until this week, Young had emerged as the number one option - with multiple reports claiming the Panthers made up their minds. However, one source close to the team has told The Athletic that another option is being considered, and cannot be ruled out of contention when the Panthers announce their pick on April 27.
The Athletic's Joseph Person explained that he Richardson is still being looked at by the Panthers, though Stroud is still their first option.
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Richardson has been receiving a lot of buzz throughout the process in recent weeks, initially coming after his incredible Scouting Combine testing results.
Anthony Richardson looked impressive during his pro day (Getty)He set quarterback records at the combine for the broad jump (10 feet, 9 inches) and the vertical jump (40½ inches), before running an incredible 4.44 40-time at 244 lbs.
And in recent weeks, the Florida quarterback wowed scouts once again when he threw at their indoor facility in front of a number of NFL scouts - including the Panthers in attendance - showing off his arm strength and athleticism.
Richardson's off-season work has seen him raise exponentially, going from a fringe first-rounder in the consensus' view to now being seen as a likely top five pick.
The Florida quarterback is heavily being linked with the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans, who both also sent a huge contingent to see his pro-day in late March.