Slotting the 2023 NFL Draft's quarterback class is quite challenging in a vacuum. Add in the veteran signal-callers who could be available via free agency or trade, and the process of matchmaking QB prospects with NFL teams becomes an extremely difficult undertaking.

The storylines for most of the top QBs in this draft pool are pretty well-established ...

Bryce Young is the most talented quarterback in this draft, but does size matter?

Was C.J. Stroud's outstanding performance against Georgia in the College Football Playoff enough to push him to QB1?

NFL
Quarterbacks Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson are set to make NFL draft history

Can you throw out Will Levis' injury-riddled 2022 season and focus on the superior tape from his healthy 2021 campaign?

And then there's the biggest enigma of them all: Anthony Richardson.

The Florida product is inarguably the most physically gifted quarterback in the 2023 draft. Turning 22 in May, Richardson could have the highest ceiling of any prospect in this class. On the other hand, his footwork and mechanics got sloppier as last season went on, his decision-making is just average and he might have an accuracy issue that's hard to correct. Do you risk it for the brisket? (Yes, I'm from Texas.)

Someone's going to place a serious bet on Richardson's substantial upside, but who? And when? With nearly two months left in the pre-draft process, a lot can change, but it seems like he's destined to come off the board in Round 1. At this moment in time, here is how I see the toolsy quarterback's potential landing spots, with percentage odds divvied up among eight teams.

NOTE: I've included the first-round draft slot(s) for each team listed.

 

FRONT-RUNNER: 25% chance

Carolina Panthers

Pick No. 9

If the draft shakes out with Young, Stroud and Levis going inside the top seven selections -- as many believe will happen -- Richardson could be sitting on the board for a Carolina team that made it all the way to the Super Bowl behind quarterback Cam Newton, a former league MVP whose game was defined by size and dynamism.

The Panthers just hit reset with the hiring of Frank Reich, who could have the patience and demeanor to fully nurture the enormous potential of the Florida prospect.