After drafting quarterback Anthony Richardson in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts explained why he was their guy all along.
On Thursday night, the Indianapolis Colts ended a multi-year search for a young quarterback, drafting Anthony Richardson with the fourth-overall pick. The dynamic Richardson will now be paired with offensive guru Shane Steichen, as the Colts try to rebuild themselves into contenders.
While many fans were hoping that Indianapolis drafted Richardson, no one was sure that it would actually happen. Leading up to the draft, everyone knew Indy’s decision would come down to Richardson and Will Levis, and reporters made it seem like the Colts were locked in on Levis. However, after drafting Richardson, general manager Chris Ballard explained that they were locked in on Richardson all along.
Chris Ballard knew for a month he wanted Anthony Richardson.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) April 28, 2023
Colts have had their eyes on Anthony Richardson for a while
During the press conference following the selection of Richardson, Ballard explained that he’s known for about a month that he wanted to draft Richardson. He explained that Indy even considered moving up to No. 3, but felt comfortable that they could get Richardson at No. 4. Ultimately, it all worked.
Ballard wasn’t the only one who was convinced that Richardson was the guy for Indy far before Thursday night. Ballard said that he “was getting texts from Morocco Brown back in August when he was down at Florida’s practice saying, 'You won’t believe the show I’m watching right now.'” In an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Ballard revealed that Shane Steichen called him after being on the job for two weeks to rave about Richardon’s abilities.
"Shane Steichen called me after two weeks on the job and said there's not many guys that can do what Anthony Richardson can do"#PMSDraftSpectacular pic.twitter.com/nmgQVcMXKd
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 28, 2023
Ballard explained that the reason they are so excited about him is because of his upside, saying, “We like what he can be. We drafted him for what he can be in the future. We think it’s all in front of him.” That was pretty much the conversation around Richardson all throughout the draft. He has a ton of tools and gifts but also some things to clean up and improve on.
Fortunately, Richardson is going to a team with a first-year head coach that has a reputation for helping quarterbacks develop. If Steichen can help Anthony Richardson reach his potential, the Colts will be in good shape for a long time.
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