Rookie QB Shocks Coaches with Early Success: Is He the New Face of the Colts?
The Indianapolis Colts’ 2023 rookie minicamp and OTAs have been abuzz with the unexpected, as rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson has been turning heads and capturing the attention of both teammates and coaches alike.
A product of the University of Florida and the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson has already shown a flash of his potential during his first weeks with the team. Despite being a rookie, he has been splitting first-team reps and impressing with his performance.
What makes Richardson’s early success all the more surprising is his relative lack of experience at the college level. With only 13 college starts, he was initially considered “raw” coming into the draft. However, his quick adaptability and impressive performance during the Colts’ rookie minicamp have proved otherwise.
He Can Avoid Sacks (and We Give Up a Lot)
Richardson’s exceptional pocket awareness, a trait that was evident during his tenure at Florida, has been a standout feature during the training camp. His low sack rate under pressure in 2022 was the lowest of any quarterback since 2015. And that is something that would be new for Colts fans.
His physical abilities are also worth noting. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 244 pounds, Richardson possesses remarkable athleticism and agility for his size. During the NFL Combine, he shattered records with a 40.50″ vertical jump and a 10’09” broad jump, and recorded an impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.43 seconds, ranking as the fourth fastest in history.
Despite his athleticism, Richardson’s passing skills will need refinement at the professional level. Nonetheless, his toughness and pocket awareness provide a solid foundation for further development as a passer.
Will Richardson Win the Starting Job?
The Colts have set the stage for an intriguing quarterback competition between Richardson and veteran QB Gardner Minshew. Coach Shane Steichen has acknowledged Richardson’s progress, expressing his pleasure with the rookie’s grasp of the passing game and the rhythm of the offense.
Jim Irsay, the owner of the Colts, has stated that Richardson will make starts during his rookie season but didn’t specify when. The vision is clear: Richardson will compete for the starting role, gaining valuable game-time experience in the process.
Related: Irsay isn’t completely sold on Richardson as a starter
As the Colts continue their offseason preparations, the battle for the starting quarterback position promises to be an exciting storyline. With his combination of athleticism, pocket awareness, and potential, Richardson makes a compelling case to be the future face of the Colts.
