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Stephen HolderESPN
The Indianapolis Colts‘ newest effort to resolve their long-standing quarterback want has introduced them to Anthony Richardson.
Indianapolis chosen the previous Florida star with the fourth total choose within the NFL draft Thursday night time, giving the Colts a quarterback who they hope can deliver continuity to a place rocked by upheaval since Andrew Luck’s retirement in 2019.
Richardson joins a Colts crew that completed 4-12-1 in 2022 and noticed three completely different quarterbacks begin no less than one recreation — Matt Ryan, Sam Ehlinger and Nick Foles. The 20-year-old Richardson arrives after beginning simply 13 video games at Florida and posting underwhelming statistics with a 53.8% completion charge and 212.4 passing yards per recreation in 2022.
However the Colts are banking closely on Richardson’s large upside and their means to develop the quarterback with essentially the most distinctive bodily ability set on this draft. The 6-foot-4, 244-pound prospect dominated throughout on-field drills on the NFL scouting mix and had had 9 dashing touchdowns for Florida final season. Richardson additionally had 9 runs of 45 yards or longer at Florida.
The Colts plan to put in a heavy passing assault below new coach Shane Steichen, one which he stated will make use of aggressive, downfield throws. These throws have proved to be a power of Richardson’s. The Colts had been twenty ninth within the NFL in yards per try final season (6.4) and threw a league-high 20 interceptions.
The Colts have not had a quarterback begin consecutive season openers since Luck in 2015-16. Indianapolis additionally has free agent pickup Gardner Minshew, in addition to Ehlinger and Foles, on its present roster. Richardson turns into the primary quarterback drafted by the Colts within the first spherical since Luck in 2012.