How new Colts QB Anthony Richardson 'can do things other quarterbacks can't do'
Florida QB Anthony Richardson was selected fourth overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Richardson might be raw, but his ceiling is incredibly high, and per Colts.com, Richardson wants to be ready to start "before preseason" and "be ready before the first game."
The Colts signed Gardner Minshew in March to compete for the starting gig, but it's clear Richardson is confident in his abilities and believes he was picked "this high for a reason".
Richardson doesn't have much experience, attempting just 393 career passes during his collegiate career with a lackluster completion percentage of 54.7 and a concerning TD:INT ratio of 24:15. However, there are plenty of 'wow' plays that Richardson makes with his arm and his legs.
"I'm not an average quarterback, and I can do things other QBs can't do," Richardson said.
Richardson has film where there's Josh Allen and Cam Newton-like potential. Arm strength, speed and toughness are a few of the traits that Richardson exhibits.
Richardson rushed for 654 yards and nine touchdowns last season and had the fourth-fastest 40-yard dash (4.43 seconds) at the NFL combine among quarterbacks since 2000. He's done impressive things throwing the ball as well. Per PFF, Richardson's 91.8 grade on play-action passes ranked second among QBs.
ESPN analyst Louis Riddick believes Richardson is a more explosive version of former Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb.
“Anthony is a bigger, stronger, faster Donovan McNabb, to me, as far as the way he throws the football," Riddick said in March. "The way when he grips the football, it kind of disappears in his hand. That quick, whipping motion that he has of his arm where it just looks so damn easy and next thing you know, the ball’s traveling 70 yards in the air on a line. And he can do things that Donovan couldn’t do from a running and creative standpoint.”
In recent years, the Colts have opted to roll with aging veteran quarterbacks like Phillip Rivers and Matt Ryan, with both ventures not being very fruitful.
While Colts GM Chris Ballard said he doesn't expect Richardson to be Superman from day one, the pick presents hope for a franchise that desperately needs a promising new era after finishing 4-12-1 last season.
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