The Indianapolis Colts could be in for a major house-clearing if former No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson doesn't break out. After getting benched and completing fewer than 50% of his passes last year, one more stinker could get coach Shane Steichen and GM Chris Ballard fired.
Richardson has as much base physical talent as anyone in the league, but he has been incapable of putting everything together. While he needs to make some personal improvements, Richardson is being slightly let down by a roster that hasn't maximized his full potential.
If the Colts want to maximize Richardson's potential, the goal in the 2025 NFL Draft needs to be surrounding him with stars like these three that can help him iron out the kinks in his helter-skelter style of play.
3 Colts 2025 NFL Draft targets to help Anthony Richardson avoid 'bust' label
3. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Some fans might groan about the idea of picking a wide receiver in the first round due to the depth at this position, but there is no such thing in the modern NFL as having too many good pass-catchers. Even compared to Josh Downs and Michael Pittman Jr., Egbuka may have the highest ceiling of anyone.
Egbuka is a smooth operator out wide, one of the best route-runners in this class, and elite when it comes to winning 50-50 balls. All of those traits should pair well a quarterback like Richardson, who still hasn't been able to nail down the finer points of intermediate accuracy just yet.
2. Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama
Both center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries left the Colts for the Minnesota Vikings in free agency, which has created a giant hole in what was once one of the best offensive lines in the league. Richardson isn't an amazing passer, but Richardson under pressure could be even less spectacular.
Booker is the type of player who can plug in immediately on an NFL offensive line. With mammoth size and the raw power needed to keep even the biggest interior rushers at bay, Booker could play a part in keeping Richardson upright and letting him use his natural-born gifts to full effect.
1. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The Colts need a tight end badly, and Loveland seems to be as sure of a lock as humanly possible to end up in Indianapolis if Penn State's Tyler Warren goes off the board earlier. Fully healthy after an injury-riddled season, Loveland could be an immediate starter in Indianapolis, whom Richardson connects with.
Richardson's struggles with accuracy could be limited due to Loveland's wide catch radius and ability to take a shorter throw and make things happen as a ball-carrier. Loveland might be one of the safer prospects in this class, which should be music to Indianapolis' ears after dealing with the AR5 experience.