The Indianapolis Colts were expected by many to take a quarterback with their No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft that kicked off on Thursday night. They did just that, but it was not the quarterback that many were expecting.
Reports leading up to the draft suggested that they would be selecting Kentucky standout Will Levis. However, they threw a massive curveball by taking another SEC quarterback instead.
“The Indianapolis Colts select Anthony Richardson, quarterback Florida,” said Roger Goodell announcing the pick.
The Indianapolis Colts landed Florida QB Anthony Richardson with the No. 4 pick (ESPN broadcast). 🏈📺 #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/MkY75kqlSH
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 28, 2023
The fans in attendance weren’t exactly thrilled with the pick. He received a very mixed reaction from the crowd in Kansas City, Missouri.
Regardless, it was a special moment for Richardson, and he was seen clearly emotional after being selected by the Colts.
Anthony Richardson’s reaction to getting drafted 💙
Special moment for the QB
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/q10m0PsBRG
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 28, 2023
The NFL world offered their opinion of the pick, which also had a number of positive and a number of negative reactions.
Anthony Richardson went 6-7 at Florida. BUST
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) April 28, 2023
Stunner: The #Colts take #Florida QB Anthony Richardson, their new franchise QB at No. 4.
Can Shane Steichen do what he did with Jalen Hurts?
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 28, 2023
Trevor Lawrence vs CJ Stroud vs Anthony Richardson duels in the AFC South for the next decade pic.twitter.com/YzeJNLOHfn
— Nico (@elitetakes_) April 28, 2023
Going from Matt Ryan to Anthony Richardson has to be one of the most dramatic athleticism upgrades in NFL history
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) April 28, 2023
ANTHONY RICHARDSON IS AN INDIANAPOLIS COLT.
WE GOT A QUARTERBACK. pic.twitter.com/4M8glHusLE
— Barstool Indy (@barstoolindy) April 28, 2023
The Indianapolis Colts have selected Anthony Richardson..
🗣🗣LET’S GOOOO #PMSDraftSpectacular pic.twitter.com/nVF506UhmR
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 28, 2023
It is certainly a home run swing for the Colts. Richardson profiles as one of the most special athletes that we have seen at the quarterback position in recent memory.
He recorded a vertical leap of 40.5 inches at the NFL Combine which is a record for a quarterback. He also ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash, the second-fastest time for a QB in combine history.
However, it is undoubtedly a risk for the Colts. Richardson didn’t have much success in college at Florida, recording just a 6-7 record in his only year as a starter.
One reason for this decision from the Colts could be their new head coach Shane Steichen. Steichen certainly played a big role in developing Jalen Hurts with the Philadelphia Eagles with an innovative offense. Colts fans will be hoping that he can do the same with a similarly athletic quarterback in Anthony Richardson.
