Anthony Richardson Landing Spots: Top 5 NFL teams that make perfect sense for Florida Gators QB

Anthony Richardson is one of the most highly coveted prospects of the 2023 NFL draft. After two seasons as a redshirt, then backup, the Florida Gators quarterback broke out in 2022, breaching 3,000 total yards and amassing 26 total touchdowns (17 passing and 9 rushing).

Multiple teams, mostly those who missed the playoffs, want to be led by his strong arm, but which of them have the strongest cases?

Here are five teams who could land Anthony Richardson come April 27-29.

#1. Carolina Panthers, NFC South

The Carolina Panthers missed last season's playoffs under Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold

Having lost both their starters last year in Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, the Carolina Panthers traded up to receive the first overall pick. This puts them in a prime position to draft their quarterback of the future, as they did with Cam Newton more than a decade ago.

Anthony Richardson is easily one of the top three options for the Panthers to go to, and the one most reminiscent of Newton, thanks to his high-level rushing ability.

As the first on the clock, Carolina has a decision to make. Most have them going for Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud, but don't be shocked if you hear Richardson's name called first.

#2. Houston Texans, AFC South

Davis Mills looks to be at a crossroads as the Draft looms

From an NFC South team to one from the AFC South, the Houston Texans have the second overall pick, and they too could use an upgrade at quarterback. Davis Mills was the team's primary starter, but late in the season he faced competition from Kyle Allen, who replaced him for two games.

Anthony Richardson could bring QB stability to a franchise that has been lacking in that aspect ever since Deshaun Watson moved the the Cleveland Browns. Mills was supposed to be Watson's backup, then Tyrod Taylor's. Circumstances forced him into the starting role, which he has failed to capitalize on with a career record of 5-20-1.

#3. Indianapolis Colts, AFC South

The Colts could use a better QB than Nicl Foles and Sam Ehlinger

Last year was definitely disappointing for the Indianapolis Colts, as prized new acquisition Matt Ryan struggled heavily in his first season out of Atlanta. Most notably, the team blew a record 33-point lead against the Vikings under his watch, causing him to be demoted to third-string (behind former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles and rookie Sam Ehlinger).

While both Foles and Ehlinger are staying onboard for 2023, neither has proven to be very effective in blue. So the Indianapolis front office would be best served starting anew with a promising and dynamic rookie like Richardson.

There is an expectation that the Colts will take the best QB available at fourth, and that could very well be Anthony Richardson.

#4. Green Bay Packers, NFC North

The Packers are facing uncertainty in a potential post-Aaron Rodgers era

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers will want a stabilizing force under center.

Besides Rodgers, the only other quarterbacks on their roster are backup Jordan Love and career reserve/practice player Danny Etling. If Rodgers ever leaves, the team will suddenly find itself uncertain at quarterback with Jordan Love under center. There is always the risk he will flounder, and taking on Anthony Richardson, assuming he has not gone off the board by then, could solve the problem.

To do this, they would almost certainly have to trade up in the draft, as there are simply too many QB-needy teams ahead of them.

#5. New York Jets, AFC East

The New York Jets could sacrifice Zach Wilson to trade for Anthony Richardson

And speaking of Rodgers, talks with his preferred suitors in New York have come to a standstill, leaving their quarterback situation in flux. Richardson could solve that

The Jets enter 2023 holding the longest active postseason drought in North American sports. Owner Woody Johnson believes they are one quarterback away from ending it.

They already have great offensive weapons in Allen Lazard and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson. Richardson would both be an upgrade over Zach Wilson and add scrambling abilities to their air game.

At 15th in the first round, the Jets would also have to trade up to have a shot at Anthony Richardson, but first the Aaron Rodgers trade would have to fall through.