Colts pick QB Anthony Richardson with fourth overall draft pick
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — It’s Anthony Richardson.
The next quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts is Florida’s young gun that stole people’s hearts at this year’s NFL Combine and impressed during his pro day.
“We’re excited,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said. “We drafted him for what we think he can really be in the future. He’s a very smart young man. Good kid, he works, we think it’s all in front of him. So, we’re excited to get him.”
Ballard says the organization knew this was the quarterback it wanted a month ago when they first met with Richardson. The Colts saw him work out in Florida and liked what they saw.
Poise is Richardson’s most attractive quality. The former Gator only played in 13 games while at Florida, but that doesn’t matter for Ballard and Steichen. Both highlighted the presence he has in the pocket under pressure — which was key for the Colts when picking their next signal caller.
“When you watch him against the pressure in the pocket, just his movements in the pocket, feeling the rush, not seeing it, being able to get out of the pocket and create the explosive plays that he does is pretty dynamic,” Steichen said.
“He’s young, but he’s very poised,” Ballard said. “Even though he hasn’t had a lot of starts, just the one thing that I kept going back and watching, all his pressures. Everybody that pressured him. That’s when you really saw his poise come to light. Like any young man.”
Ballard wants to give Richardson the time he needs to mature and get better with his game.
“Let’s not expect him to be Superman day one,” Ballard added. “He turns 21 (years old) here in the middle of May, so he’s going to have growing to do, like all of them do. We’ll help him, we’ll help him, we’ll bring him along and he’ll be a good player for us.”
The starting job is not immediately his, but it’s clear that he is wanted to be the quarterback of the future for the Horseshoe.
This is the first quarterback the Colts have drafted in the first round since picking Andrew Luck first overall in 2012. The Colts have only drafted two quarterbacks in the first round in the last 25 years — Luck and Peyton Manning in 1998.
University of Florida coach Billy Napier on Richardson going Colts
“I’m just really proud of Anthony. A product of a lot of hard work. Now, the fun stuff begins. I think Anthony is really looking forward to the opportunity to impact an organization, be a great teammate, set an example with his work ethic and approach. I’ve watched this guy for a year now and it’s been fun to watch, but also great to know as a person. The best is truly yet to come here. This guy’s best football is in front of him. Really happy for his family and all of the people that contributed. A unique young man and unique story and couldn’t be more happy for him and his family.”
On what the Colts are getting:
“First of all, a loyal teammate. A guy that takes great pride in doing his job for the team. He’s going to be a great representative of the organization and community. Really just a unique talent. Arm talent, phenomenal athlete. 6-4, 250 pounds. There’s not been many players like Anthony Richardson in the history of this game. I’m excited. He’s found a group that believed in him and wants to build around him. Anthony is going to be a great Colt.”
Earlier coverage
KANSAS CITY (WISH) — The Indianapolis Colts have selected University of Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick.
News 8’s Angela Moryan said Richardson calls himself “Cam Jackson,” a mix between Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson. Moryan anticipates a new type of offense for the Colts, and tweeted “it’s going to be FUN!”
News 8’s Adam Pinsker was with fans Thursday night at Ale Emporium on the northeast side of Indianapolis. He said fans cheers as the Colts announced Richardson.
Possibly the most polarizing player in the draft, Anthony Richardson was one of the top QB recruits in the country after a decorated career at Eastside High School in Gainesville, Florida. Richardson stayed at home and attended the University of Florida, where he became a full-time starter in 2022. Richardson threw for 2,549 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions in 12 games. He also ran for 654 yards and 9 touchdowns. Richardson blew the scouting combine up after running a 4.43 40 yard dash (1st among quarterbacks) and jumping a 40.5 vertical (1st among quarterbacks), while also showing off a powerful arm during field drills.
- Elite size, strength, and athletic ability
- Will be a 21-year-old rookie
- Potential to play in a variety of offensive schemes
- Inconsistent college career and accuracy issues
- Pro comparisons: Josh Allen/Cam Newton/Lamar Jackson
News 8’s Jay Adkins and Gregg Montgomery contributed to this report.