5 Indianapolis Colts Who Will Benefit from Each Drafted QB

The Indianapolis Colts are likely drafting a quarterback on April 27, so which of the offensive players would benefit most from each?

The Indianapolis Colts are nearing the summit of all draft rumors and analyses from the past three months. Through a multitude of mock drafts, predictions, and stories, the Colts have kept their cards as close to the chest as possible.

However, what isn't close to the chest is the top four quarterbacks that are linked to Indy. Those names are Alabama's Bryce Young, Ohio State's C.J. Stroud, Florida's Anthony Richardson, and Kentucky's Will Levis.

Each of the aforementioned players has a solid case to be an effective solution for the Colts. With these names on the brain, let's get into which Colts offensive player would fit the best with each quarterback Indianapolis took in the NFL Draft and why.

#1) Bryce Young

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Players to Benefit the Most: WR Michael Pittman Jr./ TE Jelani Woods

Bryce Young is a pure quarterback. It's been said that if he weren't so small, he'd likely be the consensus number-one overall pick. However, Young is smaller than the typical QB coming out of the draft. While it isn't probable that Young falls to the Colts, they probably won't pass on him if he is available when they pick.

Should the former Heisman trophy winner don the horseshoe, two players would soar instead of just one; wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and tight end Jelani Woods.

With Young's mind and pure quarterback presence, it would be an easy rebound for both pass-catchers. Pittman came off of a 99-catch, 925-yard season with only 4 touchdowns. Woods had a rookie performance of 25 catches for 312 yards and 3 scores.

If Young somehow becomes a Colt, those are two players to watch for to have aggressive boosts from 2022's disaster campaign.

#2) C.J. Stroud

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Player to Benefit the Most: WR Isaiah McKenzie

After the Carolina Panthers made the aggressive move to number one, it's been assumed C.J. Stroud is the reason. However, with not as much separation between QB prospects as in years past, there's a slight chance it's not Stroud.

If Indianapolis can land the self-proclaimed "ball placement specialist," then there's a slot receiver who will set career highs and help Stroud adjust with quick throws. Insert one of the newest Colts, Isaiah McKenzie.

Coming from the Buffalo Bills after five seasons, McKenzie had career-bests in receptions (42), receiving yards (423), and avg. yards per catch (10.1) in 2022. Best used in the slot, Stroud would nail McKenzie often to get the ball out fast and in space.

It wouldn't be a shocker if McKenzie recorded career highs in every receiving category with Stroud at the helm.

#3) Anthony Richardson

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Player to Benefit the Most: RB Jonathan Taylor

This is simple. With a massive athletic talent like Anthony Richardson, the running game would improve from last season. In 2022, running back Jonathan Taylor got little help from the immobile Matt Ryan and Nick Foles at quarterback. Even with the scrambler Sam Ehlinger, it didn't translate to anything outside of occasional moments of escaping the pocket to extend the play. All of these factors played into the worst year in Taylor's career.

Switch this narrative to the most athletic quarterback ever tested at the NFL Combine, and things will change dramatically. Yes, Richardson is raw. But Shane Steichen's tutelage and correct usage of his athleticism with RPOs and QB runs could open up opportunities for Taylor to return to his explosive ways.

#4) Will Levis

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Player to Benefit the Most: WR Alec Pierce

Arguably the most overlooked player out of the four, Will Levis has made a case that he has the work ethic and abilities to succeed in the NFL. Should the Colts push to get Levis, one name that could have a monster year sticks out. Alec Pierce is a deep threat that Levis would love.

For his rookie year, Pierce did well, given the uneven landscape the Colts had last season. He posted 41 catches for 593 yards and 2 touchdowns. It's worth mentioning Indianapolis hardly took chances deep, which is where Pierce shines. Should Indy have Levis controlling the line of scrimmage, this won't be an issue.

It's well-documented the Kentucky prospect has a cannon for an arm and can hit any part of the field. With this combination, it's hard to envision Pierce under 8 touchdown receptions or at least 700 yards receiving.

Outlook

The 2023 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and the Colts have the pressure to nail the quarterback for years to come.

Regardless of which name is called on draft day, there will be an offensive weapon(s) that will see the most success. The exciting part is waiting to see who that could be.

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