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Indianapolis Colts Day 1 Draft Grades: Anthony Richardson

The Indianapolis Colts made the most of their fourth pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Drake Wally

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The time of the NFL year, known as “smoke screen season,” has concluded for the Indianapolis Colts. With the fourth overall pick, the Colts went with the athletic phenom from Florida, quarterback Anthony Richardson.

With the first round and day completed for the NFL draft, it’s time to give the Colts their grade. As will be the same for days two and three, let’s get into why the Colts’ pick for Richardson at quarterback receives its mark.

Pick: Round 1 Pick 4

Player: Quarterback Anthony Richardson (Florida)

Grade: A-

The Colts had an embarrassing assortment of quarterback performances throughout the 2022 campaign. With Matt Ryan, Nick Foles, and Sam Ehlinger unable to muster more than four wins between the three players, it was time for a change.

Following the end of the year, then interim coach Jeff Saturday was replaced by former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen. Right away, news began tying Richardson to Steichen.

This isn’t hard to connect the dots with, given the incredible success Steichen had with another athletic, mobile QB like Jalen Hurts with the Eagles.

In 2022 alone, Hurts had 3,701 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, to just six interceptions. He also mixed in some great rushing performances, totaling the year out to 165 carries for 760 yards and 13 more scores. With those types of numbers and 35 total touchdowns on the year, it’s understandable if Steichen wanted to mold a new quarterback of his own with similar traits.

Given Steichen’s attitude toward the offense, Richardson best fits this philosophy. Steichen has said: “We’ll pass to score and run to win,” and that the offensive attack needs to be “vertical” and “explosive.” All this fits the bill with a quarterback that can bolt a 4.4 40-yard dash and throw the ball to any part of the field.

General manager Chris Ballard even provided a brief rundown of what Steichen said about Richardson just two weeks into the gig as the new Colts head coach. It’s safe to say the coach 100 percent approves of the pick.

Now that Richardson is in a Colts uniform, the first question is, “Will he start on day one?” That remains to be seen and doesn’t matter too much. With how raw of a prospect he is, they may sit him to learn or prefer he gets reps immediately. Regardless of which avenue, it’s interesting to think of what Richardson can become with what the Colts have for weapons.

They will likely grab a receiver (or two) in the draft. But, even now, thinking of how dynamic players like wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce, tight end Jelani Woods, and running back Jonathan Taylor could be paired with a high-ceiling signal-caller like Richardson has to make any Colts fanatic excited.

Yes, he’s raw, and there’s a chance it takes time to develop him. However, that’s fine, given the young team and offensive-minded coaches around Richardson. And, to be fair, the Colts’ coaching staff and front office members truly think the world of what Richardson can be for Indianapolis in the future.

Want more Colts content? Check out the latest episode of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast!

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Drake Wally
DRAKE WALLY

Drake Wally covers the Indianapolis Colts at Horseshoe Huddle and co-hosts the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast.  

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