3-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders add a QB of the future

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 23: Head coach Josh McDaniels (L) and general manager Dave Ziegler of the Las Vegas Raiders walk off the field after the team's 38-20 victory over the Houston Texans at Allegiant Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 23: Head coach Josh McDaniels (L) and general manager Dave Ziegler of the Las Vegas Raiders walk off the field after the team's 38-20 victory over the Houston Texans at Allegiant Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Florida
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 05: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators signals at the line of scrimmage in the first half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on November 05, 2022, in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Raiders 2023 NFL Mock Draft Round 2

Okay, Raider Nation. This is where you get yourself a signal-caller for the future. Currently the 19th-ranked prospect according to Pro Football Network, Richardson sees C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, and Will Levis taken in the first round. The luxury of picking in the top three or four spots of the second round means you’ll land a fringe first-round talent.

Some will argue that there’s no way that Richardson makes it out of the first round. He’s been impressive this year, most recently leading the Gators past the Texas A&M Aggies. However, when you consider that we’re in November, Florida’s remaining schedule, which includes South Carolina, Vanderbilt, and Florida State, will present an opportunity for Richardson to prove his case for first-round status.

In the grand scheme of things, Richardson is still a raw prospect. According to NFL Draft Buzz, he’s currently ranked outside the top five for his position.

Let’s say in a dream scenario where Anderson is taken in the top five back in the first round, the Raiders have some luck on Draft Day 2. Richardson has some of the highest upside of any quarterback in this class. He’s got the measurables, such as being six-foot-four and weighing 232 pounds.

Richardson has that special combination of speed, acceleration, and arm strength that modern NFL scouts drool over. While Richardson has a nice quick release, his overall mechanics will need work at the next level.