Mocking top 9 picks in 2023 NFL Draft: A big name QB falls to Chicago Bears

3. Las Vegas Raiders Trade for Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

There has already been a twist, and maybe a couple of surprises in this draft. This could be another. It may not be a big shock that the Arizona Cardinals are trading down because they have advertised the pick is for sale.

It is not too surprising the Raiders traded up, either. They do have Jimmy Garopolo, but you know that is just a short-term option. It is easy for the Raiders to move from seven to three, and the Cardinals can grab an asset and stay in the top ten.

The surprise may be Anthony Richardson over C.J. Stroud. The reason is that the Raiders want to swing for the fences here. They know that with Garopolo they can draft a QB who needs to sit a year.

We also know that Josh McDaniels once drafted Tim Tebow, and also tried to make a run base offense around Cam Newton work. He believes in the idea of building around a quarterback who can shoulder the load.

The situation is actually as perfect as you can get for Richardson. He can sit a year, he can be with an offensive mind who is prepared for him, and he presents a high upside for the Raiders that creates buzz after this season.