Just Blog Baby
FanSided

2023 NFL Draft: Anthony Richardson should be the Raiders No. 1 Draft Target

By Jason Willis

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 29: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at TIAA Bank Field on October 29, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 29: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at TIAA Bank Field on October 29, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 12: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 12, 2022, in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 12: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 12, 2022, in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

2023 NFL Draft: Anthony Richardson should be Raiders No. 1 Draft Target

How he fits

When it comes to the 2023 Raiders, the team is in a strange spot. With an offense loaded with talent in Davante Adams, Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow, and potentially the return of Josh Jacobs, the team likely believes they can make the playoffs next season.

Due to this, the team is almost guaranteed to add a veteran quarterback in some form. Many believe this player will be Tom Brady. The greatest player in the history of the sport, he gives the team a chance to contend next season if other weaknesses on the team are upgraded.

However, Brady will not be around for much longer. This is where Richardson comes in. While he preferably would not be playing at all in his first season if Vegas adds a veteran quarterback, this will be a valuable opportunity for him to learn the position.  Even with all his physical ability, Richardson is incredibly raw.

This is why he’s perfect for the 2023 Raiders. They are unlikely to need a rookie to step in right away and almost certainly will have a veteran that can show the youngster the ropes. Then, when that veteran quarterback steps aside, Richardson can step into an offense that has a surplus of talent and will allow him to utilize his physical gifts.

If the Raiders are going to add a veteran quarterback in the off-season, it would be malpractice not to also draft one in the top ten. The team around the veteran is too good to think that they will be picking this high again. In fact, if a few one-score games went the other way, the team wouldn’t be here in the first place.

With prolonged success and a commitment to excellence always the goal, Richardson’s development gives the team a chance to compete with the AFC elite in the long term. Now it’s just time to get him in the building.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders News