There is a lot of excitement coming from the Indianapolis Colts headquarters. There is a lot of optimism surrounding the franchise after they landed Anthony Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Richardson has made an immediate impact, impressing coaches and teammates alike with his work ethic and skill set. He has rare, raw athleticism we haven’t ever seen from a quarterback of his size as he possesses tantalizing potential.
Teams are always high on new prospects that come to the team, but the hype around Richardson feels different. Other people from around the league are taking notice as well. One former NFL executive that spoke to NFL Analysis Network made a bold prediction about what is to come for Richardson and the Colts.
“The kid simply has it all. He’s got the body, he has the arm, he has the coachability. I think his ceiling is a much better version of Lamar Jackson.”
A much better version of Lamar Jackson is an eyebrow-raising type of ceiling. Jackson is only 26 but already has one MVP, one All-Pro and two Pro Bowl nominations under his belt at the conclusion of his rookie contract. He just signed the largest contract in NFL history to remain with the Baltimore Ravens long-term and has won 45 out of his 61 starters.
If Richardson even approaches those accolades during his rookie contract, the Colts are going to be ecstatic. Keeping expectations in check is tough when there are high-ranking people who think that highly of him before he has even taken a snap in a preseason game, let alone one that counts in the regular season.
The Florida product stands two inches taller and weighs 20 pounds more than Jackson. But, his athleticism may be even better, as Richardson is one of only two quarterbacks since 2003 to register a 99 athleticism score at the combine.
The Colts are certainly excited to see what the future holds for their new franchise quarterback. If he lives up to the hype, it will be the third time Indianapolis has hit on a quarterback prospect following in the footsteps of Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck.
