Todd McShay Projects the Panthers 'Reach' for a QB at No. 9

There are only two quarterbacks in this year's NFL Draft that are worth taking in the top 10, in my opinion. C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young. Although I get the fascination with Will Levis and Anthony Richardson, they're both wildly inconsistent. That said, Carolina may look to draft one of those two high upside projects if they're unable to move up the board.

In Todd McShay's latest mock draft, he has the Panthers staying put and selecting Richardson.

According to Elias Sports Bureau research, we have never seen three or more teams hire a new coach

and

draft a new quarterback in the top 10 in the same offseason (since the 1970 merger). If things play out like this, Frank Reich and the Panthers could make a little history as the third such franchise in 2023. Carolina was brutal under center last season, though Sam Darnold flashed a bit down the stretch. The Panthers might opt to bring him back, but they likely wouldn't -- and shouldn't -- stop there.

Richardson will not be ready to start right away after just 13 college starts and with some rawness to his game, but his potential is off the charts. He has the arm. He has the rushing ability. And he has the 6-foot-4, 232-pound frame. Scouts are fascinated by his upside. It'd just come down to whether the Panthers believe they can fix his accuracy woes and develop his game to capitalize on those physical traits. Maybe they fall in love with another QB and try to move up, but if not, don't be surprised if they're the ones to reach for Richardson (my No. 36 prospect).

In 12 games this past season, Richardson threw for 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while completing only 54% of his passes. He also ran for 654 yards and nine touchdowns on 103 carries.

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