Project or Not, QB Anthony Richardson Goes No. 4 to Colts
Analysis 4/27/23
The Indianapolis Colts’ search for their next franchise quarterback has led them to a developmental project: Florida’s Anthony Richardson (scouting report).
From 1998, when Peyton Manning was the No. 1 overall choice, to 2012 when the Colts again went first and got Andrew Luck, Indianapolis had been set at the position. But Luck retired prematurely after the 2018 season, and it’s been a revolving door ever since.
Richardson, selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, might not fill the void immediately, but the potential is impressive. And new Colts coach Shane Steichen performed wonders in the rapid rise of Jalen Hurts when they were together with the Philadelphia Eagles.
"What [Steichen] did in Philly, what they were able to accomplish with Jalen Hurts under center, you know, a year ago they were saying, 'Jalen can't do this, Jalen can't do that,'" said Chuck Pagano, former Colts coach and analyst for the 33rd Team. "Well, he's runner-up MVP and he takes them to a Super Bowl. So this is Jim Irsay, this is Chris Ballard, this everybody inside that building being on board, going with Anthony Richardson."
Some NFL personnel executives and scouts believe Richardson has the most upside of any of this crop’s quarterbacks. When it comes to fruition that is.
“He is reminiscent of Cam Newton — with two exceptions,” says Hall of Fame executive and The 33rd Team’s Bill Polian. “He doesn’t quite have the 'shake and bake' ability Cam had to make defenders miss, and at a similar stage of his career, he has better touch on short passes. When on designed runs or scrambles, he has rare speed and acceleration.
“But Richardson has started only 13 games and it shows. Defensive recognition, judgment under pressure and timing were all below average for most of the season; they improved some as the season progressed. Richardson has rare talent in many areas. Playing and practice time will improve his timing, defensive recognition and judgment. The question is, will the footwork and accuracy improve?”
It would be a reach to expect Richardson to be a starter when the Colts kick off in September. There’s no ignoring he can be the prototypical dual-threat quarterback with game-changing talent. For now, though, he’s a project.
Yet, it makes sense because, after trying veterans Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan behind center — and falling toward the bottom of the league recently — a rebuild is in order.
Barry Wilner was a sportswriter for the Associated Press for 46 years. He has covered virtually every major sporting event, including 14 Olympics, 9 World Cups, 34 Super Bowls, the World Series, and the Stanley Cup Final, and has written 75 books. Follow him on Twitter @Wilner88