Analyzing the Colts’ Acquisition of Trent Richardson

Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis, IN – The Indianapolis Colts made a blockbuster trade this evening, acquiring running back Trent Richardson from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2014 first round draft pick. Richardson was the 3rd overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, and is widely thought of as an up and coming star. Indianapolis had been looking to acquire another running back ever since the news of Vick Ballard tearing his ACL broke.

Richardson has had a rough first two games this season, rushing for just 105 yards on 31 carries. Going back to last season, you can see a bit of what he’s capable of where he ran for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns despite struggling with some injury concerns. Those injury concerns are obviously going to be something to keep an eye on in Indianapolis, but it’s obvious that the Colts aren’t too concerned with those issues. The Colts haven’t had a running back with as much talent as Richardson has since arguably back in the Edgerrin James days.

Many Colts fans are comparing the soon to be Luck and Richardson combo to the Manning and James combo. The two players in each duo are very similar in many ways. Indianapolis is adding a hard runner with breakaway speed to their already strong offensive core. The Colts’ offensive line has been a major question mark as well, and adding a player who is able to make some plays and break tackles is big for them.

Pep Hamilton has always been the type of offensive coordinator who likes to have a legitimate #1 running back. Ahmad Bradshaw had a decent first start for the Colts, but he’s not the type of workhorse back that the Colts want to have. You can expect to see Bradshaw to continue to get carries each game, but Richardson will likely take hold of the starting role and receive the bulk of the carries.

This is one of the most exciting moves that the Colts have made in years, and the fans are buzzing. Richardson should be arriving in Indianapolis within the next 24 hours, and will be welcomed in by his new teammates. The amount of carries he’ll receive on Sunday has not been determined yet, and will depend on how quickly he picks up the Colts’ play-book and get comfortable with his new team.

Dealing Richardson is certainly a confusing decision from the Cleveland Browns. He was expected to be their franchise back, and they gave up after him after just 17 games? Their reasoning has been stated as making moves for their future for success, but this just doesn’t appear to be that kind of move. Needless to say, the Colts are more than happy to help the Browns make this type of move, and look forward to a very bright future with Trent Richardson.

Evan Massey is an Editor at Naptown’s Finest. Follow Evan and Naptown’s Finest on Twitter.