The Indianapolis Colts had to be ecstatic with how the 2023 NFL Draft board shook out. There was certainly some anxiousness with reports floating around that a quarterback could be selected with the first three picks in the draft. Naturally, Indianapolis was fourth.
But, when the Houston Texans traded back into the top three, completing a trade with the Arizona Cardinals, the Colts knew they would get their man. While many reports indicated that it would be Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, it ended up being Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson who heard his name called at No. 4.
The Colts have sought a long-term answer at the position since Andrew Luck surprisingly announced his retirement ahead of the 2019 season. They have used veteran, one-year stopgaps since, but that will no longer be the case in the near future.
How soon could Richardson be under center? According to NFL Rookie Watch on Twitter, it could be in Week 1. They shared a quote from Colts’ owner Jim Irsay, who shared that there is a real possibility that Richardson is under center in the season opener.
“I think it’s important. You get better by playing. I mean, practice and preseason games and watching in a quarterback room, that’s great. But, man, I’ll tell you, he’d get better by playing, and it’s something that it is really important.”
It would certainly be a little bit of a surprise to see Richardson as the starter in Week 1. While oozing with potential, he is still a pretty raw prospect in many regards. In three seasons with the Gators, he completed only 54.7 percent of his passes, throwing 24 touchdowns compared to 15 interceptions in 22 games.
Alas, there is optimism he will be able to figure things out quickly. His athleticism and rushing ability are weapons the team can use in their game plans. With the work that new head coach Shane Steichen did with Jalen Hurts while with the Philadelphia Eagles, the sky is the limit for Richardson.
Watching opposing defenses attempt to slow down run-pass options between Richardson and Jonathan Taylor will bring a smile to Colts fans’ eyes. While there is still work to do with the roster, the most important part of building a contender, finding a quarterback, has been accomplished.
