NFL Analyst Says Colts Anthony Richardson Could Be 'Top 5' QB in 2024

Indianapolis Colts franchise signal-caller Anthony Richardson has the skill to be a top five NFL QB in 2024.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) smiles as practice begins during training camp Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield. / Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Indianapolis Colts have plenty of expectations surrounding their young team ahead of the 2024 season. With plenty of talent to go around on all three sides of the ball, no player on the Colts will demand more attention than second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson. This is with good reason since Indy's entire future rests on the shoulders and legs of the dynamic field general and his development in the NFL.

Bleacher Report's NFL analyst Brent Sobleski believes Richardson is among the best young quarterbacks who can potentially take a massive leap into top five status in 2024. Here is one of the many compliments Sobleski gives to Richardson.

"A healthy Richardson is akin to a Hellcat tank, with similar firepower attached to his right shoulder. The second-year signal-caller is up to 255 pounds yet runs a legit 4.4-something 40-yard dash. His arm strength is awesome."

- Brent Sobleski | Bleacher Report

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To get it out of the way, Richardson is an athletic monster. Possessing completely unteachable skills, Richardson can run, pass, and operate seamlessly in Shane Steichen's RPO game plan. Especially given his mobility, Richardson is a deadly threat to any defensive gameplan by just being under center. Not just a mobile threat, Richardson showed during his brief rookie stint that he can make the tough throws with pressure and contact. However, everything is amplified for Richardson with the weapons on offense surrounding him, as Sobleski points out.

"On the field, Indianapolis has a good surrounding cast. Jonathan Taylor shares the backfield. The Colts offensive line returned to form last season. Wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, AD Mitchell and a slew of big, athletic tight ends—coupled with Steichen's play-calling—make Indy's offense one of the league's more underappreciated units."

- Brent Sobleski | Bleacher Report

Nine minutes of Anthony Richardson highlights.

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— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) January 24, 2024

Sobleski mentions the top offensive options in receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs, as well as the rookie playmaker Adonai Mitchell. All three pass-catchers form a unique set of weapons but adding Alec Pierce creates another wrinkle in Steichen's attack. Not to forget, Richardson has the former Pro Bowl and All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor, as well as a top 10-level offensive line. Putting all these factors in unison could be a formidable issue for defenses to stop in 2024. It depends on Richardson staying healthy and on the field, which Sobleski concludes his entry with.

"Richardson is the ultimate specimen behind center. He'll be unleashed if he can stay on the field."

- Brent Sobleski | Bleacher Report

Look for staying injury-free to be one of the highest priorities for Richardson and the coaching staff in 2024. Aside from that, Indy has a team that is poised to showcase some firepower, especially offensively. Richardson possesses every tool as a quarterback to become a top five threat at the position in the NFL. With his size, athleticism, scheme, and quicker-than-expected development, Richardson has as good a chance as any to take the league by storm as soon as this year. With a young squad keeping their eyes on the 2024 season ahead, we'll see what pans out to finish training camp and start the pre-season games with all eyes on Richardson and a bright Colts team.

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