Biggest Impact? ESPN Analysts Love Colts Draft Class
The Indianapolis Colts had a big NFL Draft class in 2023. Including the No. 4 overall pick which they used on Anthony Richardson, the Colts had a whopping 12 players selected in April's draft.
But it wasn't just quantity the Colts got, it was quality, including Richardson who is the favorite pick of several draft analysts.
ESPN asked their army of analysts which draft class could have the biggest immediate impact in 2023, and the Colts came up more than once.
After years of being stuck in neutral, general manager Chris Ballard finally dropped the hammer on a ceiling play at the sport's most important position. And he gave his new quarterback Anthony Richardson a T.Y. Hilton-esque playmaker by selecting Josh Downs in the third round. The Colts additionally found excellent value with cornerback Julius Brents (who should step into the void created by Stephon Gilmore's departure) and defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore. -- Liz Loza, ESPN fantasy and sports betting analyst
Draft analyst Jordan Reid agreed with Loza in picking the Colts with Richardson leading the way.
The only way Richardson will gain experience is by being out there, so he should start Week 1. He will have plenty of highs and lows in 2023, but he needs a trial-and-error period as a rookie. Brents, Downs and Adebawore also have the potential to be key contributors during their rookie seasons. The Colts needed young talent at key spots, and they got it after an impressive draft that included plenty of instant-impact prospects. -- Jordan Reid, ESPN NFL draft analyst
The Colts class is so deep that arguably the most gifted athlete of the bunch could be seventh-round pick Jake Witt. Witt is a basketball player, turned offensive tackle who tested off the charts at his pro day. He won't make an immediate impact, but he'll be an interesting developmental prospect to watch.
Richardson will get the headlines in this class, but expect to see a half dozen or more of these new Colts making an impact in 2023.
Indianapolis Colts NFL Draft picks
- 1st: Florida QB Anthony Richardson (No. 4 overall)
- 2nd: Kansas State DB Julius Brents (No. 44)
- 3rd: North Carolina WR Josh Downs (No. 79)
- 4th: BYU OT Blake Freeland (No. 106)
- 4th: Northwestern DT Adetomiwa Adebawore (No. 110)
- 5th: South Carolina CB Darius Rush (No. 138)
- 5th: Cal S Daniel Scott (No. 158)
- 5th: Miami TE Will Mallory (No. 162)
- 5th: Northwestern RB Evan Hull (No. 176)
- 6th: Wagner edge Titus Leo (No. 211)
- 7th: Texas A&M CB Jaylon Jones (No. 221)
- 7th: Northern Michigan OT Jake Witt (No. 236)
