When the Indianapolis Colts took quarterback Anthony Richardson with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida, some felt the team was taking a bit of a gamble. While Richardson has some impressive physical qualities, his numbers in college weren't exactly impressive.
His stock rose leading into the draft partly because he had a good showing during the NFL draft combine, especially during the interview process. But in his first two pro seasons, he didn't pan out, and he sustained multiple injuries, and he has lost his starting job. There is now speculation that he could or should be traded.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard was asked during a press conference if the franchise knew what it was getting itself into when it took Rochardson. Ballard responded by expressing confidence in the signal-caller's potential.
"We knew he was raw, and we knew he was going to take time - I think everybody did," Ballard said. "We knew it was going to be a bit of a roller coaster, absolutely, just based on his history in college. That's part of the growth. Sometimes you have to take a swing, and we took one. Look, I'm not ready to say that we missed, because I don't think we have. I believe Anthony has a bright future."
Richardson, a native of Miami, didn't take that many snaps as a freshman or sophomore in college. As a junior, he threw for 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions and completed 53.8% of his passing attempts, and he added 654 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.
In two seasons in the NFL, he has appeared in a total of 15 games and registered 2,391 passing yards and 11 touchdown passes while completing 50.6% of his passing attempts. His ground game has yielded 635 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Ball security has also been a problem for Richardson -- so far in his pro career, he has thrown 13 interceptions and had 12 fumbles.
Needless to say, if he doesn't improve his accuracy and overall viability as a passer, his days in the league will likely be numbered.
As Week 1 of the 2025 season approaches, Indianapolis has named Daniel Jones its QB1. Jones himself has been a disappointment since coming into the league in 2019, but he at least has a decent passing accuracy rate and can also be a threat to move the chains himself with his legs.
It's not like the team doesn't have any weapons. The Colts have a trio of solid wide receiver threats in Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and Josh Downs, as well as Jonathan Taylor, who is one of the game's most prolific running backs. All four men should give Richardson enough support whenever he takes the field, if he takes the field this season.
Perhaps the Colts are hoping Richardson has a third season akin to that of the Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen. Allen struggled in his first two seasons and completed 56.3% of his passing attempts during that time, but he became a Pro Bowler in his third year, and last year, he took home his first league MVP award.
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