Horseshoe Huddle

C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson Impress Colts at NFL Combine

The two quarterbacks showed off their best traits in front of the Indianapolis Colts and the rest of the league at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Andrew Moore

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Chris Ballard does not take much stock in how quarterbacks perform at the NFL Scouting Combine.

"They're throwing on air, let's be real," Ballard said Wednesday. "And then they're throwing on air against wideouts that they've really never thrown with. So let's be realistic here. They've all got plenty of tape to watch. That's where we're going to get a lot."

While the Indianapolis Colts may not gather much from the quarterback workout sessions at the combine, it sure doesn't hurt to perform well at them.

With head coach Shane Steichen and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter watching from the stands, and quarterback coach Cam Turner helping on the field, the Colts' offensive staff got to watch three of the top quarterback prospects up close on Saturday. C.J. Stroud of Ohio State, Anthony Richardson of Florida, and Will Levis of Kentucky all took the field at Lucas Oil Stadium to show off their abilities at the combine.

After all was said and done Saturday afternoon, it was Stroud and Richardson who stole the headlines after fantastic showings. Showings that may have confirmed to the Colts what they had seen on film all along.

Richardson started things off with a bang, testing better than any quarterback we have ever seen at the combine. Measuring at 6'4" and 244 pounds, Richardson's 40.5-inch vertical and 10'9" broad jump were both records for a quarterback at the combine. He then ran a blistering 4.43 40-yard dash, faster than that of former No.1 overall pick Cam Newton.

The consensus on Richardson was that he was going to test incredibly well. Saying his athletic ability at the quarterback position is rare is an understatement. To be that large and that fast causes coaches and scouts to do a double-take.

"Growing up it was always Cam Newton for me," Richardson admitted when asked who he modeled his game after. "But then when I got to high school, just seeing how dynamic Lamar (Jackson) was, I tried to implement both of those guys in my life. I started calling myself 'Cam Jackson' in 11th grade, just trying to make big plays."

Ballard has always been a general manager who loves to bet on athletic traits. He has admitted to "feeling" prospects when watching them work out, a nod to their physical abilities and power. Ballard used this to describe his experience at Quenton Nelson's pro day and a pre-draft workout with Alec Pierce.

You could certainly feel Richardson on the field on Saturday. There was not a quarterback out there that was as physically imposing as the Gators' quarterback. He ended his workout by almost landing a backflip, even at his size.

After the physical tests had been completed, it was time for the quarterbacks to show off their arms and throwing talent. This is the portion where Stroud shined.

Stroud opted to hold off on any athletic testing and will instead do those at his Ohio State pro day. But Stroud's biggest asset has always been his arm, as he is the most gifted passer in this draft class.

Stroud put on a clinic throwing to receivers he has mostly never thrown to before. Stroud continually placed the ball in the perfect spot, making it easy for the wideouts to catch and continue upfield. He had plenty of zip on the ball on slants and out routes while displaying amazing touch on throws down the field.

"One thing about me, I think I'm a ball placement specialist," Stroud said this week. "I like to be very accurate. I don't want my receivers to have to do really anything to catch the ball. And I think I've shown that time and time on film again."

Stroud's throwing session impressed many as the crowd cheered whenever the Buckeyes quarterback stepped up to throw. One of those who came away impressed was NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah, who called it "one of the best throwing sessions I've ever seen at the combine."

Richardson also threw at the combine, one spot before Stroud. While Richardson was able to show off his arm strength, there were times when he showed inconsistent accuracy and footwork, leading to some erratic throws. Both of these issues are what Richardson has shown on film throughout his college career.

Both quarterbacks showed off in different ways. Stroud proved just how gifted of a passer he is, showing polished footwork and mechanics that will immediately translate to the next level. Richardson proved he is a world-class athlete with the potential to be a superstar.

The Colts will have more opportunities to see these guys at their pro days and when they bring them in for Top-30 visits. While Ballard may not gather much from their on-field work, it was still another chance for Steichen to see these prospects up close. After all, Steichen's input will hold considerable weight in who the Colts select at quarterback in the upcoming NFL draft.

"I think just to get that second look of them throwing on that grass, you know what I mean?" Steichen explained when asked what he was looking for as he watched the quarterbacks. "I think their body movements, their functional movements, to see that. Obviously, they'll have their pro days, the receivers will have their pro days, but just to get that extra look. As much as we can see these guys in person, I think it helps the league and I think it helps the evaluation process too."

The Colts will inevitably have to choose who they want leading their franchise for the foreseeable future. The decision could very well come down to Stroud or Richardson in April. It's the most important decision the franchise will make all offseason, and the quarterback who fits what Steichen values most in the position will likely be the pick.

“I think accuracy, decision making and the ability to create are the three things that I look at in a quarterback," Steichen admitted in February. "I think those all three things are very important but obviously, above the neck, the players that I’ve been around – Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert and Philip Rivers, they all have one thing in common. They’re obsessed with their craft. If you can find that in a quarterback, you’ll probably have some success.”

All that matters is that they get the decision right.

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Andrew Moore
ANDREW MOORE

Andrew Moore is the Senior Analyst for Horseshoe Huddle and an Indianapolis Colts expert. Andrew is also the co-host of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast and the former co-host of A Colts Podcast.

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