Former Top 5 NFL Draft Pick Predicted to Lose Job After Just Two Seasons

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nathan Dougherty | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 8:54 PM ET

The Indianapolis Colts made a big investment in quarterback Anthony Richardson, landing him with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft with hopes he would grow into a franchise quarterback.

But after two uneven seasons and amid injury concerns, Richardson could be on the verge of losing the starting job to a fellow high draft pick.

Camden Markel of the New York Post noted that Richardson has recovered from a right shoulder injury and appears set to take the field when the team opens training camp next week, but will face a big challenge from former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones to keep the job.

"Richardson has plenty of talent, but will need to prove himself this upcoming season. In the meantime, Jones will be looking to do the same," Markel noted.

Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports is more pessimistic, predicting that Jones will win the job over Richardson.

Former NFL general manager Ran Carthon also predicted that Richardson will start out at a disadvantage due to his injury, leaving Jones the chance to seize the starting job.

"It's going to factor in, and if you guys can remember back in the day, they had the little clicker that counted pitches, they will have someone dedicated in the back of practice counting Anthony Richardson's throws throughout the day," Carthon said in an appearance on CBS Sports. "And they're going to limit his throws, and all that does is give Daniel Jones even more reps with the guys, more reps with the ones."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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