Did the Colts Show Which QB They’re Most Interested In?

The chief personnel executive for the Indianapolis Colts was in Florida for Anthony Richardson's Pro Day. Does this mean they want the athletic quarterback over everyone else?

Drake Wally | Apr 3, 2023

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Last Thursday, March 27, University of Florida quarterback prospect Anthony Richardson showed off his skills at the school's pre-draft pro day. As expected, many NFL teams were in attendance to watch this year's most athletically gifted quarterback prospect make deep tosses, precision throws, and passes outside the pocket.

One of the most intriguing in attendance was the presence of the Indianapolis Colts chief personnel executive, Morocco Brown.

Brown is usually present if the Colts have a massive interest in or are heavily intrigued by a college prospect. Below is a small sample size of talent that Brown has helped scout for the Colts.

Linebacker Shaquille Leonard
Guard Quenton Nelson
Linebacker Bobby Okereke
Linebacker E.J. Speed
Safety Khari Willis
Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin

As the list shows, Brown has a knack for solid scouting and lands the players, if possible, that he has eyes on in person. Brown was also at the University of Georgia pro day this spring. This could have been to talk to cornerback Kelee Ringo about his future.

I know a lot of fans are scanning these Pro Days to see if they can spot Chris Ballard, but to me the three guys to look for from the Colts are Morocco Brown, Matt Terpening, and Todd Vasvari.

If one of those guys are at a Pro Day, they like somebody
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) March 23, 2023

Richardson has started to become linked to the Colts with how bad the recent quarterback situation was and how much general manager Chris Ballard loves the high-traits type of players.

It’s also worth mentioning that Brown wasn’t at the pro days for fellow quarterback prospects C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, or Will Levis. Rather, it was Colts area scout Mike Lacy and other members of the scouting room. This is not to say outright that Indianapolis is throwing off Stroud, Young, and Levis. Instead, it shows that Ballard may have more eyes on Richardson than others.

Given that the Colts now have a forward-thinking offensive mind in Shane Steichen as the head coach, it could be the preferable option. He came off a very successful season with a mobile, athletic quarterback with the Philadelphia Eagles, leading to a Super Bowl trip.

Steichen also mentioned wanting a more vertical and explosive offense in 2023. He had something similar to this in Philadelphia and has the tools now in Indianapolis with Alec Pierce, Michael Pittman Jr., Isaiah McKenzie, and Jelani Woods to make that a reality.

I recorded a video on Shane Steichen that won’t upload, so I’ll summarize:

- QB work is a plus, with versatility for mobile and vertical offenses
- Priority was a leader for the QB and franchise. His intensity was a fit
- Staff hires will be very important, namely O-Line coach
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) February 12, 2023

Steichen also wants a mobile aspect to the new look of the Colts’ offensive attack. This could be very beneficial to running back Jonathan Taylor, who came off of a down season in 2022 after one of the best in franchise history the year prior.

Richardson is likely the best fit for this outside of Levis. Richardson is the freak athlete of the two, but Levis is a great athlete in his own right.

The NFL Draft is always entertaining. Usually, something crazy happens in Round 1 every year. However, will the presence of Brown at Richardson’s pro day make this one more of an expectation for the Colts to take the Florida talent? It, at the least, says the Colts are impressed and interested in what Richardson can do for them in the future.

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Published Apr 3, 2023