The Indianapolis Colts added a huge rookie class this offseason. In the draft alone, Indy put together a group of 12 players that probably make up the most athletic draft class ever. Of course, with openings throughout the roster, the 2023 Draft class will be immediately thrown into the mix and expected to contribute early.
While the team has only been in training camp for a couple of weeks, the young guys are stepping up to the challenge. In Indy’s recent training camp practices, several rookies have found ways to stand out. That includes quarterback Anthony Richardson, who has all eyes on him.
So Anthony Richardson by all accounts has followed up his best overall day of camp with.. his best overall day of camp.
— Noah Compton (@nerlens_) August 6, 2023
Sat: 9-11, 2 TDs (2nd string)
Sun: 6-8, 3 Pass TDs, 1 Rush 2pt (starters)
Great bounce-back weekend after a slow return from his surgery earlier in the week.
Anthony Richardson and other Colts rookies shine in training camp
Richardson recently had his best two days of camp in back to back days. Combining Saturday and Sunday’s practice, Richardson was 15-19 with five touchdowns. While recording training camp stats is a bit excessive, it shows that the young quarterback is growing and getting a grasp on the offense, and the NFL as a whole.
One of the receivers that Richardson was connecting with was fellow rookie Josh Downs. After missing the majority of the offseason program with injury, Downs has been available all throughout training camp and showing off his shiftiness from the receiver position. The rookie has been making a ton of catches and looks poised to be a contributor early in his career.
Josh Downs had this defender LOST 😳
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) August 3, 2023
Downs’ shiftiness has reportedly been a “problem” for Colts’ DB’s throughout camp.
Downs’ has reportedly spent time with both the Colts’ first and second team throughout camp.
Downs’ has also taken reps as a kick/punt returner as well as… pic.twitter.com/V5fmEgpxvs
Besides quarterback, the rookies in the biggest spotlight are Indy’s corners. With all that transpired this offseason, the Colts will likely have at least one rookie corner starting, and possibly two. That means they need to quickly get acclimated to the league and start making plays. Apparently, that’s just what the young guys have been doing.
Indianapolis’ second pick from the draft, JuJu Brents, is finally healthy and back on the field, and it didn’t take long for the hometown kid to start making plays. In his first few practices, Brents has already made some impressive pass break ups and had a near interception.
1% everyday https://t.co/B8ioaVLhkd
— Julius Brents (@Jbrents_18) August 6, 2023
He’s not alone, though. Jaylon Jones, who was drafted by the Colts in the seventh round, has also looked impressive and flashed throughout training camp.
All the rookies will soon face their biggest test, playing in their first NFL game. On Saturday, Indy will play the Buffalo Bills in the team’s first preseason game of the year. While it’s not an official game, it will be a nice dress rehearsal for the young guys that are still adjusting to the league. We’ll get to see how they can perform in a game setting against another teem. Hopefully, they’ll look just as good as they have in training camp.