Anthony Richardson doing 'next-level stuff' at Colts practice

The Indianapolis Colts drafted Florida QB Anthony Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and it sounds like they aren't easing him into things. 

Richardson has been getting thrown into the fire during OTA practices this week, splitting first-team reps with Gardner Minshew. 

Per Colts.com, head coach Shane Steichen says the rookie signal-caller has "done a really nice job".

"I've been really pleased with where he's at mentally," Steichen said Thursday. "He made some big plays today on the football field, made some great throws, great decisions — some really next-level stuff that I've seen over the last couple of days. So really pleased with where he's at."

Steichen served as Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator during their run to the Super Bowl this past winter, putting together a creative offensive scheme that showcased the strengths of QB Jalen Hurts. Expect Steichen to do the same with Richardson, who is every bit as mobile as Hurts. 

Richardson rushed for 654 yards and nine touchdowns for Florida last season and had the fourth-fastest 40-yard dash time (4.43 seconds) among quarterbacks at the NFL Scouting Combine since 2000. Richardson's athleticism and arm strength are both undeniable, but being ready to roll in Week 1 will still be a tough task for any rookie. Especially for Richardson who attempted just 393 collegiate passes. 

Richardson said last month that he's "not an average QB" and can "do things other QBs can't do". Being perceived as raw or rough around the edges seems to have given Richardson a chip on his shoulder and even more of a reason to prove doubters wrong. 

The Colts know what they have in journeyman Gardner Minshew, an adequate player who can be a placeholder until Richardson is ready. However, the team would clearly prefer that Richardson is able to do enough in camp to emerge as the team's clear-cut QB1. Drafting Richardson as high as the Colts did was a big investment and every indication thus far has lead to the assumption that he might start a lot of games for Indianapolis this fall.