Expert Analysis
4/30/23
4 min read
Indianapolis Colts NFL Draft Grades 2023: Anthony Richardson Gets C+
The 2023 NFL Draft is complete, and the Indianapolis Colts made nine selections.
The Colts' main goal coming into the draft was likely to find their quarterback of the future. With that in mind, they selected Anthony Richardson at No. 4 overall as the third quarterback off the board. He'll join new coach Shane Steichen ushering in a new era of Colts' football.
How did Richardson and the rest of Indianapolis' draft class grade out?
Colts 2023 NFL Draft Grades
4. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
The Colts didn't have to give up anything to get their quarterback of the future. Anthony Richardson is one of the most athletic quarterbacks to ever enter the NFL. He has the talent and tools for Colts fans to get excited about, but his tape is extremely inconsistent, and he only has one season as a starter. Colts coach Shane Steichen showed he could design an offense around the strengths of Jalen Hurts. Richardson has Hurts' talent and then some, but what has made Hurts great goes far beyond talent.
Grade: C+
44. Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
Julius Brents is at his best as a press corner, using his strong hands. However, he does not always play to his size and athletic testing numbers. There are some concerns about his play speed, and at times he can't hold up against faster receivers down the field.
Grade: B-
79. Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Josh Downs is an explosive wideout who will be even faster on the quick Indy turf. Downs does not have ideal size, but he has great burst and does not have to build his speed. The Colts certainly became much faster and more explosive in this draft. Plus, they added a weapon for Richardson to use right away.
Grade: A
106. Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
The Colts needed to address offensive tackle, and they did so with Blake Freeland. Freeland was an outstanding tester at the combine, but his film shows some inconsistencies.
Grade: B
110. Adetomiwa Adebawore, Edge, Northwestern
The Colts are having a solid draft addressing needs. Adetomiwa Adebawore was a fast riser in the draft process, acing the Senior Bowl and combine. While he didn't have huge production at Northwestern, he has position versatility and the potential to be an interior disruptor with length and upfield explosiveness.
Grade: A-
138. Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
The Colts are loading up with long, athletic corners that have the potential to excel in Cover 2. Darius Rush has the ideal size and length for the position, but his lateral movement, short-area quickness and closing burst are less than ideal.
Grade: C
158. Daniel Scott, SAF, California
Daniel Scott is an under-the-radar prospect in this year’s class with experience, adequate size, high-end athleticism, good instincts and motor. He is not an elite playmaker, but he should be an immediate core special teamer.
Grade: B-
162. Will Mallory, TE, Miami (FL)
Good sized in-line tight end who shows toughness in the run game. Will Mallory lacks change of direction ability, and he struggles blocking in space. He needs to improve his route running. He'll be a solid backup tight end option who will provide red zone and special teams value. The Colts filled a need with their tight end depth.
Grade: B-
176. Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern
Evan Hull lacks ideal size and has just enough speed. He is good in the passing game with natural hands and ball skills. He's an instinctive player that should help the Colts on third down and in passing situations.
Grade: B-
