Colts Top 3 Draft Picks Showing Great Potential

As the NFL approaches Week 4, the Indianapolis Colts have seen solid efficiency on the field from their top three 2023 draft picks.

The Indianapolis Colts selected an incredible 12 new names through the 2023 NFL draft in late April. While every name has the potential to shine, the early-round picks are where the highest expectations lie. In the still very young NFL season, they’ve so far panned out for general manager Chris Ballard and the Colts.

With this on deck, it’s time to dive into the performances of quarterback Anthony Richardson, cornerback JuJu Brents, and wide receiver Josh Downs to kick off the season for Shane Steichen and a vibrant Indy team.

QB Anthony Richardson (Round 1 – Pick #4)

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The Florida QB Richardson has only played five quarters through the first three weeks due to a concussion. However, when he’s been on the field, he’s overshot the “raw QB” label and displayed a lot of promise from under center.

Below is Richardson’s current 2023 stat line:

• 2 games; 30/47 completions (63.8%); 279 passing yards; 1 TD/1 Int

• 13 rushes; 75 rushing yards (5.8 avg); 3 TDs

Richardson sits at four total touchdowns on the season, which is almost one per quarter if his on-field playing time is factored in.

It’s a small sample size to judge off of, but given how well Richardson fits in Steichen’s scheme, it’s impressive that so much has been shown in such little time with the rookie passer.

With Richardson on track to play against the Los Angeles Rams, it gives Steichen a chance to get his QB back on track after missing time. One of the most important things Richardson can look to do from here on out is protect himself, along with continuing to develop his passing mechanics with Steichen at his hip.

So far, the complaints are few and the praises are many. Only time and more experience will tell if this is a flash in the pan or consistency that will only get better with Richardson.

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CB JuJu Brents (Round 2 – Pick #44)

© Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Coming out of Kansas State, the 6’3” cornerback looked to make an impact with his size and athleticism in the NFL. Well, so did the Colts, who traded with the Atlanta Falcons to get Brents. 

He missed time during training camp (wrist/hamstring injuries) and the start of the regular season (personal matters), but would make his debut at M&T Bank Stadium against the then 2-0 Baltimore Ravens.

Brents would see 53 defensive snaps and was targeted five times by Lamar Jackson (t-second on the team w/ LB Shaquille Leonard). However, he didn’t flinch, putting up the best-graded coverage by Pro Football Focus for the team during the game with a blistering 89.3. Brents would also grab four tackles, a fumble forced, and a fumble recovery.

With this performance, Brents has moved up the depth chart as one of the Colts’ top cornerbacks. This puts him with slot corner Kenny Moore II as the anchor for the defensive back room.

If Brents can continue playing at or close to the level he did against Baltimore, he could make the Colts look brilliant for making the trade to bring him to the Circle City where it all began for him at Warren Central High School.

WR Josh Downs (Round 3 – Pick #79)

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The North Carolina Tarheel wasn’t thought to be on Ballard’s draft radar in any form. Typically, Ballard has favored the larger, more physical and athletic type of receiver. Downs, while a phenomenal prospect and player at North Carolina, only stands 5’9” and weighs 171 pounds.

However, it was Colts receivers coach and team legend Reggie Wayne who vouched for what he saw in Downs. Wayne would go on record as saying he felt that Downs was the best receiver in the entire draft. Coming from a player who destroyed defensive secondaries with crisp route-running and glue-like hands, this is the highest possible praise. It’s also exactly how Downs beats coverage and makes consistent plays.

The Colts would take the shot and bring Downs in through a third-round pick. So far through three games, Downs hasn’t disappointed since taking the starting slot role from veteran Isaiah McKenzie.

Below is Downs’ current 2023 stat line:

• 3 games; 15 receptions on 24 targets (62.5 catch %); 124 receiving yards (8.3 avg).

Downs is already becoming a safety blanket for whoever is under center, whether Richardson or Gardner Minshew. Just in the recent Ravens game, Downs led the team in targets (12) and brought in eight catches for 57 receiving yards with the backup Minshew running the offense.

As the season rolls along, look for Downs to continue elevating his play as the Colts’ “quick-win” solution at slot receiver. So far, he’s shown he is up to the task to kick off his NFL career. 

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