3 Colts Rookies Get Spotlight/Snubbed in Projections List
The 2023 NFL draft was huge for the Indianapolis Colts, as they added an astounding 12 new names to their roster. The top three picks from rounds one to three were quarterback Anthony Richardson (Rd 1 Pick 4), cornerback JuJu Brents (Rd 2 Pick 44), and wide receiver Josh Downs (Rd 3 Pick 79). All three were selected with starting potential and addressed needs at important positions that the Colts had.
A recent ESPN prediction piece from Mike Clay titled “Ranking Top Five Projected NFL Rookie Leaders by Stat Categories” covered the top five projected rankings in eight different statistical areas. The aforementioned Richardson, Brents, and Downs will be the subject of the piece. The former two getting the limelight on this list, while the latter receiver got forgotten and snubbed from any projections. Time to break down the numbers.
QB Anthony Richardson
Richardson found himself on both the “Passing Yards and TDs” and “Rushing Yards and TDs” lists, finishing at number three on both. Below is what Richardson is predicted to produce.
Pass Yds and TDs – 3rd
· 2,889 yards/16 TDs
Rush Yds and TDs – 3rd
· 609 yards/5 TDs
Given the mixture of inexperience as a passer and raw athletic ability that Richardson has, this prediction may not be too far off-kilter. While Richardson could eclipse 3,000 passing yards with multiple deep weapons at the receiver position (Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce, for example), it might be a more run-heavy type of game plan from the offensive mind of Shane Steichen that halts the consistent vertical shots until a bit later in the year.
Steichen could be looking to ease Richardson into the passing attack with plays that utilize his game-breaking athleticism. He may also want running back Jonathan Taylor to shoulder more of the initial workload as Richardson acclimates to the NFL speed.
As for the rushing numbers, the yards seem perfect. However, I can’t entirely agree with Clay on rushing scores. With Steichen using Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts on so many short-yardage sneaks, I’d bump this up to eight or nine. It will be interesting to see how quickly Richardson can grasp his skillset with the weapons around him.
Now that the glamorous quarterback position has been notched for the Colts, it’s time to dive into the defensive back Brents and where ESPN places him.
CB JuJu Brents
Brents fits exactly the mold that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley is looking for with his scheme. Standing at 6’3" and weighing around 200 pounds, Brents can be a serious pass disruptor for the Colts. On Clay’s list, he falls to tie with several others for interceptions.
Interceptions – Tied for 1st
· 2 Interceptions
This was an interesting list, as Clay has Brents tieing with four other corners for the top spot. However, given the insane wingspan and length that Brents has, this could more likely be around three or four. Even the others who tied across the board could have more than the two that were listed.
Brents will sometimes struggle with the twitchiness and speed of some of these smaller, faster receivers. But as he gets those valuable reps every starting rookie needs, he will adjust his body to meet those pass-catchers with the physicality that could lead to more than two interceptions.
With Brents covered, the last name will be discussed at the wideout position, and why it’s criminal, he didn’t land anywhere on the projections list.
WR Josh Downs
The slot specialist finds himself axed from any coverage. Below are the qualified areas that the other receivers rank.
Receiving Yds and TDs – N/A
TDs from Scrimmage – N/A
While I do agree with Downs not being included on the “TDs from Scrimmage” numbers, I can’t support the snubbing from receiving yards.
Yes, Richardson is a wild card right now with his passing, and it’s not cemented how Downs will connect with the rookie field general. Yes, Downs is smaller and will have to adjust. But, to have even the Kansas City Chiefs rookie Rashee Rice predicted to have 456 receiving yards and stating he “just missed the cut” without including Downs’ name is curious.
The importance of Downs to this offense will warrant at least 600 receiving yards and potentially 60-plus catches. There’s also a likelihood that by mid-season (or sooner), he’s the third receiver on the depth chart behind Pittman and Pierce.
This was an insanely active receiver in college who can have similar value/volume if he hits a mental stride with his coach and QB. Not to mention that he could be WR1 in empty sets that utilize the “empty theory.” Will Downs shake the NFL world in his rookie year? It’s impossible to tell right now, but it’s on the side of “probably not.” But, to have him not even hitting a mere 456 receiving yards is a bit of a stretch. If Downs reads this list, he may be even more determined than when Indianapolis drafted him after being passed up by the entire league.
Outlook
These three players will be instrumental for the Colts to succeed with such a young team. They are also three pillars that Steichen and Co. will look to use for building the future of Indianapolis. Could these projections be spot on? Higher? Lower? It’s far too early to tell, but equally as fun to speculate how things will pan out.
