Bleacher Report reveals why Anthony Richardson can become a top-five QB in 2024

The Indianapolis Colts spent the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Florida's Anthony Richardson. The jury is still out on whether or not Richardson is going to be the franchise quarterback for the Colts, especially after a shoulder injury sidelined him for all but four games during his rookie season.

Before he went down with the injury, Richardson had completed 59.5% of his passes while throwing for 577 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. As advertised, he proved himself as a dangerous running quarterback, dashing for 136 yards and four touchdowns with his legs.

Colts fans were intrigued by Richardson before the injury took the majority of his rookie season away from him but the good news is that he's healthy and should be back for what's hopefully going to be a promising sophomore season in the pros. Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report thinks that it will indeed be a promising season for Richardson, including the former first-rounder on his list of young quarterbacks who can take a massive leap in 2024.

Anthony Richardson poised for promising second season in NFL

A big reason why Sobleski thinks that Richardson can take the next step toward becoming a great quarterback in the NFL is what he can do in the run game.

"People ask this, too … Hey, are you gonna limit the run game?" head coach Shane Steichen told reporters (via The Athletic's James Boyd.) "And I kind of think like, 'Shoot, are you gonna limit Steph Curry from shooting 3-pointers. Well, that's one of Anthony's strengths. We're not gonna get away from that."

Richardson's ability to take off with the football is what makes him a fun quarterback to watch. In the four games he started for the Colts during the 2023 season, fans had fun watching him. If he can figure out how to run the ball while protecting himself from injury, Richardson's stock should continue to climb.

Even with Richardson out for the majority of his rookie season, the Colts still finished the 2023 campaign with a respectable 9-8 record. Just imagine what this group can do when he's healthy and taking the snaps. They have Jonathan Taylor at running back, Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, and A.D. Mitchell at wide receiver, and a strong offensive line surrounding Richardson, which should only help him propel to the top of the league in stats in 2024.

Again, injuries are certainly a concern but if Richardson can avoid getting bitten by the injury bug, Colts fans are in for an intriguing season from the fourth overall pick.