Report: Panthers were 'definitely intrigued' by Anthony Richardson

Perhaps the Carolina Panthers weren't quite as all-in on selecting Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young with overall pick No. 1 throughout the predraft process as some have assumed. 

For a piece published on Monday, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported that "Carolina was definitely intrigued by" Florida Gators signal-caller Anthony Richardson. Fowler explained that "Richardson performed well in interviews" but also said that Young "was the guy" for the Panthers and that the franchise "zeroed in on" Young over the past two months. 

ESPN's David Newton said on April 25 that Young and Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud were "the primary targets" for the Panthers after they acquired the draft's top pick from the Chicago Bears in March. Newton added that Richardson "having only 13 college starts and a low 2022 completion percentage (53.8%) made him too much of a project to take at No. 1" for Carolina. 

Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer indicated during a conversation with Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio that Fitterer knew he wanted Young over Richardson and Stroud following a dinner that took place the night before Young held his pro day workout in March. The Houston Texans selected Stroud with the draft's second pick, while the Indianapolis Colts grabbed Richardson at choice No. 4. 

Physically speaking, Young and Richardson are quite different. While Young measured in at 5-foot-10 1/8 and weighed 204 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine, Richardson checked in at 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds. Richardson then impressed teams with his athleticism and arm strength during workouts. 

The Colts have received widespread praise for taking a flier on Richardson, and Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said during a post-draft radio appearance that the 20-year-old "might be the best athlete that’s ever been drafted at that position." 

If Richardson uses his undeniable abilities to reach his ceiling, Fitterer and/or others associated with the Panthers may ultimately regret taking Young over the Florida product a few years down the road.