NFL Draft 2023: Insiders predict Florida QB Anthony Richardson to be top-five pick

Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson declared for the 2023 NFL draft following the conclusion of his junior season at the University of Florida.

Richardson is one of the top QB prospects in this year's draft and seems to be getting more buzz each day closer to the draft. While he's only started 13 games in college with a losing record, scouts and experts think he has the skill set to be a boom-or-bust prospect and is expected to go very early in the first round.

How early? The Athletic recently put out their most recent mock draft this morning and had Richardson going into the top five.

In their mock draft, the Raiders moved up two spots to number five from pick seven to jump the Carolina Panthers into selecting Richardson.

Richardson is a 6'4", 232-pound mobile quarterback who has a cannon and a lazer for an arm. While he may not be a day-one starter, his potential could make a team like the Raiders trade up for him.

In his freshman year at Florida, the 21-year-old barely saw the field. He completed one of two passes for 27 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He appeared in just eight games in th second season, while recording 529 passing yards, six touchdowns, 401 rushing yards, and three touchdowns.

During his junior season, he was a full-time starter and went 6-6. He has completed 53.8 per cent of his passes for 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He added 654 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.

This year's QB draft is loaded with talent. Four to five QBs could be selected off the board in the top-10. The Raiders may have to trade up a few spots to ensure they get a franchise QB of their liking.

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Las Vegas Raiders got rid of Derek Carr after nine mediocre seasons

Las Vegas Raiders v Jacksonville Jaguars

Out with the old, in with the new? The Raiders moved on from nine-year starting quarterback Derek Carr this off-season.

While Carr has made four Pro Bowls, he's only led the Raiders to two playoff appearances in his time. He didn't feature in the 2016 playoff game against Houston Texans due to an ankle injury and lost in 2021 versus Cincinnati Bengals.

Carr is a free agent and currently has interest from the Saints and Jets. He's expected to sign with a new team in the coming weeks.