The Indianapolis Colts have finally selected their new franchise quarterback!!! Anthony Richardson will be bringing his talents from Florida to the Circle City.
He will bring a different element to the offense with his mobility which can help open up rushing lanes for Jonathan Taylor. He’s arguably the most athletic quarterback prospect to enter the draft in NFL history.
At the NFL combine he set a modern combine record with his vertical jump (40.5″) and tied the record for the longest broad jump (10′ 9″) for quarterbacks. His 40-yard dash (4.43) was the fourth-best time since 2003. His RAS score was the best among all quarterback prospects since 1987.
Anthony Richardson was drafted with pick 4 of round 1 in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 10.00 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 916 QB from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/EV9myLwunR pic.twitter.com/16M6qjHydU
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 28, 2023
From a quarterback aspect, Richardson is bringing great arm strength that he uses to his advantage to squeeze balls into tight windows and can take the top off the defense with explosive throws. It’s being more consistent with his throws that Shane Steichen will have to work with him on. He has his attempts when the ball can sail out of his hands and it doesn’t give his receivers a chance to catch it.
While watching UGA ED Robert Beal Jr, this throw by Anthony Richardson over Ringo popped.
The ball placement on this deep pass was on point. Easy arm talent. pic.twitter.com/FNxx1KL1Bh
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) December 29, 2022
One part of his game that should help him when he does take the field is his pocket presence. He’s very solid at manipulating the pocket and avoiding rushers so he can climb up to deliver the throw or take off for yards. His mobility is what the Colts missed at the quarterback spot in 2022.
Let Anthony Richardson's pocket movement wash over you
and look how often it is to win as a passer – not a runner pic.twitter.com/TOnsGyw4s2
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) April 24, 2023
He can get outside the pocket to help give his receivers time to work themselves open and is always a threat to create an explosive run. Steichen will be able to take what worked with Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles rushing attack and apply it to the Indy offense with Richardson and Taylor.
Richardson has the speed to outrun defensive backs, can shake defenders out of their cleats, and has the strength to shed tackle attempts to pick up extra yards.
This RUN by Anthony Richardson 😳
The Florida QB is one of the most athletic QB’s the NFL Draft has EVER seen. pic.twitter.com/FFskvtA1ea
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) February 24, 2023
The question is when will Richardson see the field? He could use some time to sit back and learn how to be a pro while he works on his development as a quarterback. But, history does tell us that top 10 quarterbacks typically end up playing the majority of their rookie season. Chris Ballard is okay with him sitting behind Gardner Minshew but expects him to compete to play.
Chris Ballard isn't ruling out a redshirt type of season for Anthony Richardson. Like any player, he'll come in and compete to play.
"Let's not expect him to be Superman from Day One."
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) April 28, 2023
But if you look at this quote from Steichen. The new head coach sounds like he’d like to see Richardson play sooner than later.
#Colts HC Shane Steichen on Anthony Richardson's 13 starts: "I think when you play more, that's how you develop."
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) April 28, 2023
Only time will tell when Richardson will be on the field in regular season action wearing blue and white but the new franchise quarterback is bringing arm talent, athleticism, and excitement to an organization that has been experiencing dread for the past year and a half.
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