Is Anthony Richardson A Good Fit For The Colts? Fantasy Football Outlook

How will rookie Anthony Richardson fit in with the Colts, and what is his fantasy value?

The Indianapolis Colts have been searching for a franchise quarterback since Andrew Luck abruptly retired. Their experiments with Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and Matt Ryan failed. It was time to get a long-term option, and they went for Anthony Richardson.

Draft experts thought that Will Levis would be the next quarterback taken after Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud. However, the Colts surprised the football world by selecting the former Florida play-caller. They took a player who moves like new school quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson.

It’s not that Indianapolis is taking a polished quarterback. On the contrary, Richardson is far from it. He only had 13 starts in college and one excellent year for the Florida Gators. Worst yet, he only completed 54.7 percent of his passes and made throws, even short ones, in one velocity.

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But Richardson’s upside is enormous, while his mobility is elite. He has a strong body that can withstand hits while making throws. He is also good at picking up the blitz and has good arm strength to complete long throws.

The AFC is stacked with elite quarterbacks. If the Colts got it right with Richardson, it won’t be long before they crack the postseason again.

How Anthony Richardson Will Help The Colts

Indianapolis’ last three starting quarterbacks do not have Richardson’s scrambling ability. Therefore, he adds another dimension to the Colts' offense because opponents must think twice before rushing him. He has the speed to turn disaster into a gain if the pocket collapses. Defenders would also get worn out in chasing him all over the field.

Since there’s always the threat of him taking off by himself, linebackers and defensive backs might crowd the box to contain him. This approach makes it easier for Colts receivers to get behind them. Richardson can also establish the play action or the run-pass option to open routes for Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, and Isaiah McKenzie.

But throwing him into the fire by Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season won’t be the best situation for him. He still has several attributes in his game that he needs to improve, and his coaches are there to help.

Therefore, it would be better for him to learn the ropes from the sidelines while Gardner Minshew takes over. But at some point in 2023, Richardson must be ready to compete because the team’s long-term success rests on him. If he turns out to be the quarterback Indianapolis has been looking for, then he will be a great fantasy football option at quarterback.

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